Delhi Govt to Restore 16th Century monument, promote it as major tourist hub

New Delhi, 14 September 2022: Delhi’s Deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia recently met with the Delhi Archaeological Department to inspect and assess the state of Azimganj Serai’s conservation and restoration in Sunder Nagar, Nizamuddin.

“Buildings with historical significance, like Azimganj Serai, have suffered greatly as a result of long-term neglect. But the Kejriwal administration is making sure that each of them is kept in its original condition with the assistance of specialists and top workmanship,” he said, adding, “The government is making sure that the monument from the 16th century reclaims its rich character.”

In Delhi’s Zoo perimeter is the Azimganj Serai, a square building with a splendid courtyard, arcaded chambers all around, and outstanding octagonal bastions on the corners. The stately, fort-like Serai that formerly stood alongside the Grand Trunk Road is now in a serious state of decay. It is surrounded by thick foliage and is difficult to access by tourists.

The government’s goal is to restore the monument’s architectural features, such as chambers, arches, and brick walls, to their former grandeur using conventional procedures and techniques.

He also stated that despite being only 600 meters from the border of the Humayun’s Tomb World Heritage Site, the Azimganj Serai is isolated in between very dense vegetation and difficult for visitors to reach.

Sisodia predicted that it will become a popular tourist site in Delhi once the conservation and beautifying work is finished. According to him, it will not only draw visitors but also educate them about Delhi’s rich history dating back many centuries.

The Delhi government’s Department of Archaeology is in charge of this project. Beyond the purview of the Archaeological Survey of India, the department is in charge of the preservation, protection, and upkeep of Delhi’s monuments.