Save heritage of Old Delhi's Chandni Chowk: Vijay Goel to Lt Governor

New Delhi: Highlighting the decay of the rich heritage of Old Delhi's Chandni Chowk due to 'illegal construction' and other civic impediments, Union minister Vijay Goel has appealed to the Lt Governor to intervene and take measures to restore its historic charm.

Goel, who has been a two-time Lok Sabha member from the Chandni Chowk seat, also urged Lt Governor Anil Baijal to see if the area can be developed on the lines of the Smart City project of the Centre.

In a letter to Baijal, Goel, who is a known connoisseur of heritage, flagged the 'degrading situation' of Chandni Chowk - the principal street in Old Delhi, running from Red Fort to Fatehpuri Masjid, lined by bustling markets on both sides.

Goel requested the L-G to "intervene and take measures to restore the beauty and originality of the historic place," a statement from the minister's office said.

In his letter, the minister, who holds the portfolio of sports and youth affairs, also said that the Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Corporation (SRDC) has offered many suggestions pertaining to the area's development and restoration, and "these must be implemented to save Chandni Chowk".

The SRDC is a special purpose vehicle (SPV) created about a decade ago to improve civic amenities in the Walled City, which is populated with several old, iconic havelis, Raj-era mansions and colonial-era shops and landmarks.

Goel, however, alleged that the SRDC itself has "failed to work" on those suggestions.

"Chandni Chowk has suffered due to illegal construction, and civic issues like encroachment and lack of proper electricity, water, parking places and so on.''

"It is high time that the authorities take a serious stand and resolve the pending issues to conserve and preserve the cultural richness and golden heritage of Chandni Chowk," Goel said in the letter.

Built in mid-17th century by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as part of his capital city Shahjahanabad, Chandni Chowk is steeped in history and dotted with old buildings, shops and landmarks endowed with ornate design and architecture.

A famous tourist destination, for both Indians and foreigners, it is also known for its street food.