![\"Delhi](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/thumb\/msid-132281044,imgsize-78792,width-400,height-225,resizemode-75\/cm-rekha-gupta-said-the-corporation-has-launched-a-comprehensive-initiative-to-preserve-old-delhis-historic-identity-while-equipping-it-with-modern-civic-amenities.jpg\" "\\"CM")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nNEW DELHI: The Delhi government on Thursday renamed the Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Corporation, set up for the conservation and redevelopment of Old Delhi, as the Indraprastha Virasat Punarvikas Nigam (IVPN) as part of a broader initiative to restore the area’s historical, cultural and architectural heritage.According to the chief minister’s office, CM Rekha Gupta said the Corporation has launched a comprehensive initiative to preserve Old Delhi’s historic identity while equipping it with modern civic amenities.The annual general meeting (AGM) of the Indraprastha Virasat Punarvikas Nigam (IVPN) was held under the chairpersonship of CM Rekha Gupta.The meeting was attended by urban development minister and corporation vice-chairman Ashish Sood, managing director Sandeep Kumar and senior officials from the concerned departments.Several decisions were taken on the comprehensive redevelopment of Old Delhi, heritage conservation, expansion of civic infrastructure and promotion of tourism. The meeting decided to give top priority to the redevelopment of Chandni Chowk.The CM directed officials to ensure that the market’s design reflects its historical identity, traditional character and cultural significance.Keeping in view the movement of lakhs of people through the area every day, she also directed the development of modern and functional public toilet blocks and the strengthening of civic amenities.Reviewing the redevelopment of the historic Town Hall, Rekha Gupta directed that a major entry and exit from the Chandni Chowk side be developed so that the building can emerge as a prominent heritage and tourism centre.It was also decided that historians, heritage experts and specialists from relevant fields would be associated with the redevelopment of Chandni Chowk and adjoining heritage areas to ensure the market’s original historical character and architectural identity are preserved.The meeting also stressed the need to safeguard the interests of local traders and shopkeepers to maintain a balance between heritage conservation and commercial activity.Keeping the convenience of visitors in mind, Gupta directed that a dedicated control room be established in the market to provide information, guidance and prompt assistance to tourists from across India and abroad.Special emphasis was also laid on developing organised parking facilities to improve access and vehicle parking for visitors.She further directed officials to prepare a detailed blueprint for the comprehensive development of the Hanuman Temple at Yamuna Bazaar and the area behind it as part of the larger redevelopment project.She also directed the preparation of a comprehensive redevelopment and beautification plan for the Jama Masjid area and Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Marg in front of the Old Delhi Railway Station.The meeting emphasised that the development of Old Delhi should not remain limited to physical infrastructure alone.Instead, heritage conservation, tourism promotion, economic activity, civic amenities and environmental balance should all be pursued through an integrated approach.With this objective, the Indraprastha Virasat Punarvikas Nigam (IVPN) will take forward heritage conservation alongside modern urban development.The initiative will include conservation of historic buildings, infrastructure modernisation, solid waste management, traffic management, expansion of tourism facilities and other related works.Gupta said Delhi’s historical heritage is not only part of the city’s cultural identity but also an invaluable legacy for future generations.She said development works should preserve the historical identity, traditional character and architectural beauty of Old Delhi, adding that heritage conservation and modern development must go hand in hand so that local residents, traders and visitors benefit from better facilities while Old Delhi develops as a world-class heritage area.Officials informed the meeting that Old Delhi covers about 7.12 square kilometres. The over-350-year-old historic city is home to one World Heritage Site, 10 nationally protected monuments, 10 state-protected monuments and more than 700 locally protected heritage sites.Lakhs of people visit the area every day for shopping, trade, pilgrimage and tourism. In this context, officials said the planned development of the historic precinct is essential not only for preserving its heritage but also for boosting trade and tourism while reinforcing Old Delhi’s historic identity.(With inputs from ANI)<\/div>\n