SRDC to be revived to redevelop Old Delhi: CM

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Wednesday called for the reconstitution of the Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Corporation (SRDC) to ensure beautification and planned redevelopment of Old Delhi.

Chairing a meeting at the Delhi Secretariat, Ms. Gupta acknowledged the state of despair in Old Delhi, including historic Chandni Chowk market, and said her government is fully committed to restoring the traditional character of the place.

“Development in Chandni Chowk has been hampered as the area falls under the jurisdiction of three different agencies, resulting in repeated delays. The SRDC will be reconstituted soon, and development work in the Walled City will be undertaken through the revamped corporation, which will include qualified heritage conservation experts,” said Ms Gupta.

Chandni Chowk MP Praveen Khandelwal, who attended the meeting, also demanded the reconstitution of the SRDC.

The meeting also discussed restricting certain commercial activities to preserve the heritage of the Chandni Chowk market.

The SRDC, a special-purpose vehicle, was constituted in 2008 by then Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit. It was tasked with promoting and conserving built and natural heritage.

Najafgarh drain

Ms Gupta visited a stretch of the Najafgarh drain in Paschim Vihar and directed officials to clear waste and erect a boundary wall along the drain. Cleaning the Najafgarh drain is part of the government’s efforts to clean the river Yamuna.

The CM reviewed ongoing development works at RBI Colony, Outer Ring Road, Meera Bagh, Sonia Camp and Paschim Puri. She directed officials to ensure that all development and sanitation works are completed on time and maintained to the highest quality standards.

Ms Gupta also called for the development of green belts in the area to improve environmental conditions and enhance the area’s aesthetic appeal.