New Delhi: Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) initiated the installation of plaques to mark historical monuments and heritage buildings within its jurisdiction. The civic authority had already placed markers at 35 heritage locations.
"MCD, in association with Aga Khan Trust, implemented the task to install navy blue, oval-shaped plaques at significant heritage structures throughout the city. A total of 55 sites have been covered so far, and out of them, work for fastening the plaques was completed at 35 places," said an official.
The initiative draws inspiration from London's renowned historical markers system.
Some of the sites where work was already completed include Town Hall (AD 1864), Fatehpuri Masjid (AD 1650), Hardayal Library (AD 1916), Kasturba Zenana Hospital (AD 1934), Sunheri Masjid, State Bank of India at Chandni Chowk constructed in the mid-1990s, Namak Haram ki Haveli constructed by late Mughals, etc.
These markers, constructed from acrylic sheets, feature white borders with golden and white text on a navy blue background. Each plaque displays name of civic body ‘Municipal Corporation of Delhi – Heritage Building', MCD logo, site's name, and its establishment date.
"Plaques are being installed to mark historical landmarks, to commemorate the location of the period of the monument and to inform the citizens about the glorious heritage of MCD. This will also create a sense of belonging among citizens and motivate them to keep these buildings clean," the official added.
Other buildings to be covered include Fatehpuri Masjid, Northbrook Fountain, Daryaganj Police Station, Shroff Eye Hospital, Lal Masjid, Gateway of Katra Neel, Mirza Ghalib House, Oriental Bank of Commerce building (1930s), Chini Ka Burj at Nizamuddin Village (AD 1550-1560), Arcaded building, Khani-e-Duran Khan's mosque (constructed in the late Mughal empire), Residence of DCP Central (1930s), Do Shiriya Gumbad (Lodi Period), Gateway in Defence Colony (AD 1488), MCD dispensary, Lal Masjid (AD 1728-29), Jamaat Khana mosque in Dargah Complex of Nizamuddin (AD 1325), and Company Bagh (17th century).
The civic body has also uploaded details of city's historical structures with photographs, detailed descriptions, map coordinates, and nearby metro stations information to enhance public accessibility on its website. Details of hundreds of sites are already uploaded. "The initiative aims to share with the Delhiites the history of these places and how they played a role in the heritage of the capital," said the official.