Culture Ministry asks ASI to revive gardens of Red Fort

Culture Ministry has asked Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to prepare and develop a plan and layout for restoration of historical gardens of Red Fort.
Noting that most of the gardens of the fort have been completely or partially lost, Culture Minister Chandresh Kumari Katoch today said the monument deserves "exemplary protection and conservation".
"I am encouraging ASI to develop a proposal to first examine and undertake research on the gardens and develop their plan and layout, keeping in mind historic plantation pattern, flower beds, use of flora as evidenced in the paintings," Katoch said after inaugurating a two-day workshop on 'Conservation and Management of the Red Fort Complex'.

She said there was still a need to revive the beautifully laid out historic gardens within the Fort, which were systematically removed and remodelled by the British, otherwise "it will not be able to regain its old charm."
Several paintings from the nineteenth Century give us a vital glimpse about a series of gardens, such as Mehtab Bagh, Hyat Baksh Bagh, which were laid out and detailed by the Mughal rulers, the minister said.
ASI has organised a two-day workshop on conservation and management of the Red Fort complex, in which noted archaeologist and conservationists would be participating and discussing way of restoration.

The Minister noted that when the open spaces and gardens were converted into lawns, it completely altered its hydrology and water levels within the monument.
"Even though the river Yamuna, through which water was originally drawn, has shifted considerably, an alternate water source and its lifting should be worked out and all water channels, fountains should be revived," the minister stressed.
Assuring all possible help from her Ministry, Katoch said the experts should prepare a detailed conservation proposal for the structures and gardens and ensure its implementation in a scientific and time bound manner.