On Wednesday, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced a major plan to improve Old Delhi, stating that the Shahjahanabad redevelopment corporation to be revived soon. She explained that the new SRDC will focus on restoring the charm of Old Delhi, especially the historic Chandni Chowk. Earlier development efforts often slowed because three different agencies controlled the area, and their overlapping roles created long delays.
Ms. Gupta said she wants Old Delhi to look organized and beautiful again. She stressed that Chandni Chowk, one of India’s most famous markets, needs both protection and modern upgrades. She added that a reactivated SRDC will bring in heritage experts who can guide the work more effectively.
Chandni Chowk MP Praveen Khandelwal attended the meeting and supported the idea. He said the area needs a dedicated body that understands heritage and modern needs. Since thousands of people visit the market every day, better management can improve traffic flow, cleanliness, and safety.
During the meeting, officials discussed new rules to protect Chandni Chowk’s heritage. They suggested limiting some commercial activities that harm the old structures and narrow lanes. Although these limits may affect a few businesses, the officials argued that the steps will help preserve the market’s unique character.
Former Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit created the SRDC in 2008 to improve Old Delhi’s heritage sites and boost tourism. Over time, the body stopped functioning actively, so the government now wants a strong restart.
The review meeting also focused on the Najafgarh drain in Paschim Vihar. Ms. Gupta visited the area and told officials to clean the drain quickly. She also instructed them to build a boundary wall to improve safety. Since the drain flows into the Yamuna River, cleaning it will help reduce pollution. The Yamuna remains extremely important to Delhi, yet years of waste and neglect have hurt its water quality.
Ms. Gupta also checked progress on projects in RBI Colony, Outer Ring Road, Meera Bagh, Sonia Camp, and Paschim Puri. She urged officials to finish the work on time and maintain high standards because these projects affect thousands of residents.
Additionally, she pushed for more green belts across the city. These green spaces improve air quality, reduce heat, and make neighborhoods more peaceful. They also give residents places to relax and enjoy nature.
Old Delhi holds deep cultural and historical importance. Ms. Gupta said the city must protect this identity while meeting modern needs. With the government bringing SRDC back to life, Old Delhi may soon get the balance it needs.
In conclusion, Ms. Gupta’s plan shows strong commitment to heritage, infrastructure, and cleanliness. As the Shahjahanabad redevelopment corporation to be revived, Old Delhi could soon experience meaningful and lasting improvements.
