Taj Heritage Corridor Site to be developed: Should we develop on lines with Sunder Nursery: Sunder Nursery:- formerly known as Azim Bagh, sits north of the 16th c. World Heritage Site of Humayun’s Tomb and an even older settlement of Nizamuddin Basti. Historically lying on the Grand Trunk Road and founded by the British in 1929 for growing plants for Lutyen’s ambitious New Delhi scheme, Sunder Nursery is maintained by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD). While parts of the nursery are still used for propagation and sale of plants, several portions of the site have, over the years, remained underutilized lying in dereliction. An important aim of the environmental development initiative is to creatively combine heritage, forest vegetation and nursery functions within one comprehensive interactive experience that offers opportunities for recreation, education and discovery. Planting belts and groves across portions of the central fields would provide continuity of forest cover, encourage bird habitat and enhance spatial quality of the area. Sunder Nursery: View from the roof of Humayuns Tomb. Image Courtesy: Alkazi Foundation, New Delhi Conservation More than just a green space in the heart of the city, Sunder Nursery literally stands in the midst of history. The monuments that stand here are being carefully conserved using traditional materials and building crafts. Principal conservation works undertaken since 2008 include conservation of the Sunderwala Burj, and the restoration of the unprotected 18th century Mughal-era Garden Pavilion, which were completed in 2011. Conservation works are now planned for the unique 16th century Sundarwala Mahal and Lakkarwala Burj. The proposed landscape plan for Sunder Nursery envisages a central axis leading from Humayun’s Tomb entrance plaza through Sunder Nursery and culminating at Azimganj Sarai. The pedestrian spine will host specialised gardens on either side along with water bodies that complement its tranquil environment and Mughal setting. An amphitheater will be created in the foreground of the Sunderwala Mahal and will host cultural-revival functions such as sufi-music programmes, qawwali musicals, poetry recitals and other programmes The restored monuments shall serve as extraordinary backdrops and the environs of Sunder Nursery shall add to the splendour of the celebration of culture. The project hopes to also undertake conservation works on the adjacent Azimganj Serai and eventually link it with the development of Sunder Nursery. The serai clearly stood on the historic Grand Trunk Road but is in urgent need for conservation. By reinstating the monument to its original dignity and adapting the space and its utilities, the aim is to revive the Azimganj Serai as a thriving hub of activity. Nature and Heritage Trails are proposed to allow people to explore the area.
Posted on: Tue, 09 Sep 2014 06:36:09 +0000
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