Scotland Minister praises Nizamuddin restoration work

Praising the conservation work being done at the historic Nizamuddin area in the national capital, External Affairs Minister of Scotland Humza Yousaf today said that preserving historic buildings and urban renewal is "vital for the vitality of our communities."
Yousaf today visited the Nizamuddin urban renewal initiative here - a project to revitalise the Mughal Emperor Humayan's 16th century tomb, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Part of the Aga Khan Historic Cities Programme, the project will also restore historic monuments and open spaces in the nearby Sunder Nursery and urban village of Nizamuddin Basti.
"This visit was also a great opportunity for Scotland to share knowledge about our own building conservation work, including our commitment to sourcing local materials whenever possible and training apprentices in traditional building skills so that we can preserve our precious historic environment," Yousaf said.

The Minister said his government shares the Scottish town planner Patrick Geddes' belief that "preserving historic buildings and urban renewal is vital for the vitality of our communities."
The project is influenced by Geddes (1854-1932), who believed it was important to consider how people relate to places.

During the visit, Yousaf was told how Geddes was invited by the then Madras Governor to advise the government on urban planning issues in Indian cities.
His theories are still being followed today by those leading the Nizamuddin Urban Renewal Initiative.
"It was amazing to see first-hand the excellent conservation work being carried out at the urban village of Nizamuddin and understand how it is bringing together a range of capabilities to establish a model for participatory conservation-led development of historic cities," Yousaf said.