We consider the demolition of the Hall of Nations at Pragati Maidan an act of outrage. The case was being considered in the Delhi High Court and the hearings were scheduled on 27th April 2017 and 1st May 2017. It may not be out of place to mention that the independent body of the Indian Institute of Architects and the different Associations` of Engineers had requested the authorities to preserve these buildings for prosterity for their unique archievements. INTACH had pleaded in in their court case to do the same.

 

The Prime Minister of India, in a recent interview has said that he would like to rule India with “Niti” and “Nyaya”, roughly translated from Hindi means with values and justice. The Asian Institute of Architects –ARCASIA and the Union of International Architects- UIA had appealed to him for the preservation of these buildings. The curators of Museum of Modern Art in New York and Pompidou Centre, Paris have appraised him about the significance of these modern buildings. Thousands of architects, engineers and even some eminent artists both in India and abroad have pleaded the Prime Minister to save the building.

 

In fact as an answer to our letter to the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Commerce indicated to us to find an amicable resolution with the Trade Fair Authority . But obviously somebody in the ITPO had other motives !

 

 

Raj Rewal – Architect

Mahendra Raj – Structural Engineer

AGK Menon – Former Convenor of INTACH, Delhi Chapter

Divya Kush – President, Indian Institute of Architects