NEW DELHI: The Chandni Chowk redevelopment project has come under the scanner of the Delhi Urban Art Commission, which has written to the project stakeholders asking them to submit the proposal for its “consideration and approval as per laid-down procedure” before proceeding with the construction work. 

The commission noted that the Public Works Department and the Shahjanabad Redevelopment Corporation had not taken its approval for the project, as mandated by Section 11 of the Delhi Urban Art Commission Act, 1973. PWD, on its part, claimed that a representative of DUAC was present at the meeting of the UTTIPEC governing body that approved the project. 

A number of urban experts and conservationists have expressed reservations about the project that aims to pedestrianise the Red Fort to Fathepuri Masjid stretch. Concerns have specifically been raised about shifting of utility ducts, transformers, sub-stations and even toilet blocks to the central verge where the historic canal once flowed underground. The move has irked historians, conservationists and heritage lovers who say the historic fabric of Chandni Chowk will be ruined forever. 

Sources hinted that the commission was unhappy with reports on the redevelopment and wanted to go over the entire plan to assess its feasibility. 

....