Vardhan meets Jung over redevelopment work

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan today met Delhi Lt Governor Najeeb Jung and discussed the progress of redevelopment work of Jama Masjid and Chandni Chowk areas.
Vardhan, who is also an MP from Chandni Chowk Lok Sabha seat, and Jung directed the officials to fast track the projects, officials said.
Vardhan said he would visit the site once in a three-month to review the progress of work.
MD of Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Corporation (SRDC) and Secretary, Public Works Department (PWD) made presentations about the progress of the work, official from LG House said.
However, whether the political situation in Delhi figured in the meeting was not confirmed, as LG House termed the meeting a 'scheduled' one.

Following the Delhi High Court's direction to develop "a comprehensive plan for redevelopment" for Jama Masjid and its surrounding areas, Municipal Corporation Delhi was appointed as a nodal agency to coordinate the redevelopment plan.

The redevelopment plan aims to create an environment contemporary in concept and use, but befitting the heritage and historic nature of this precinct.
Recommendations include a new physical plan, incorporating modifications in land use, built fabric, movement networks and parking, urban infrastructure services, rationalisation of spaces for commercial and other uses, official said.
It also include guidelines for improvement of environment around existing mazaar and shrines, public amenities, landscaping, lighting, signages, facilities for visitors and tourists.

The redevelopment plan further sets forth guidelines for the implementation mechanism for the project, officials said.
It would establish an identifiable urban form for the precinct, open up a visual and physical link to the Red Fort, as well as the rest of Shahjahanabad, and create streetscapes which resolve the extremely complex traffic patterns in the area.
This will have an impact on boundaries and walls, together with creating a barrier free environment, as also affecting the movement of traffic, redevelopment of walkways, relocation of utilities, setting up of public amenities and a tourist interpretation centre among other things.
Chandni Chowk redevelopment plan from Red Fort to Fatehpuri Masjid Road intends to create a pedestrian friendly environment, with seamless non-motorised vehicle (NMV) linkage to Shahjahanabad and peripheral areas such as railway stations and metro stations.

Also, introduction of Modern Tram System in Chandni Chowk area with its linkage to railway station and Jama Masjid.