Delhi Assembly Speaker Requests IGNCA for Conservation Strategy
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta has initiated a request for a conservation plan from the IGNCA to preserve the historic Assembly building, aiming to transform it into a living heritage site with a proposed light and sound show, documentary, and museum.
Key Takeaways
- Assembly building to be conserved as a heritage site.
- Three-week timeline for IGNCA's report submission.
- Proposed light and sound show to celebrate the Assembly's history.
- Documentary to highlight the building's democratic significance.
- Weekend openings for public engagement with heritage.
New Delhi, April 22 (NationPress) Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta has formally requested the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) to provide a report within three weeks detailing a conservation strategy for the legislature building, which was the inaugural Parliament of Independent India.
Speaker Gupta articulated his aspiration to transform the Assembly into a "living heritage site", representing both the historical development of democratic governance in India and the rich cultural heritage of Delhi.
The proposal also includes plans for a light and sound exhibition to honor the Assembly's legacy, as well as a documentary that will narrate its historical and democratic importance.
A museum is also set to be established to conserve and exhibit the Assembly's extensive heritage.
An official indicated that a committee will be formed to supervise the project's advancement.
Speaker Gupta noted that the meeting was focused on creating a roadmap to position the Assembly as a site of national heritage significance.
This initiative also highlighted the necessity of conserving the traditional architectural skills and methods used during its original construction, thereby paying tribute to the craftsmanship of previous generations, he added.
The ultimate aim is to convert the Assembly grounds into a venue of historical and cultural prominence that can draw dignitaries, delegates, and visitors from all over the world, he stated.
Attendees at the meeting included influential figures from the realms of heritage conservation and engineering, such as Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary of IGNCA; Ramesh C. Gaur, Dean (IGNCA); B.R. Mani, Director General of the National Museum; Achal Pandya, Head of Conservation and Kaladarsana at IGNCA; Jitender Yadav, Additional Commissioner (Heritage Cell); Krishna Kumar Singh, Superintending Engineer, Central and New Delhi Maintenance Circle; and Sanjeev Kumar, Executive Engineer (Heritage Cell) of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).
During the meeting, comprehensive discussions took place regarding the implementation of a holistic approach that harmonizes modern conservation techniques with traditional heritage values, according to the official.
The experts exchanged insights on preserving the original structure's integrity while simultaneously enhancing the experience for visitors and stakeholders.
Speaker Gupta highlighted the significance of such initiatives in nurturing national pride and educating future generations.
As part of this vision, he suggested opening the Assembly to public visitors on weekends, enabling them to connect with the nation’s architectural and democratic heritage.
