Qutab area to be enlarged

By Lalit K. Jha

NEW DELHI, FEB. 23. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has now decided to enlarge the area of the historic Qutab complex and include other monuments in its vicinity within the ambit of this World Heritage Monument.

The decision, having a far reaching consequence on the future status of the monument complex, which is bound to enhance its glory and heritage status, was taken recently by ASI after a suggestion in this regard was made by an UNESCO expert team which visited Qutab last month.

It is learnt that UNESCO not only expressed satisfaction but also gave the ASI a ``pat on the back'' for its upkeep and

maintenance. At the same time, experts during their round of the entire adjoining areas felt the other monuments in its vicinity which were also of historic significance and of contemporary period needed to be integrated with the Qutab complex. ``This will add to the present stature of the complex,'' was their unanimous opinion.

It is understood the UNESCO team also urged ASI officials to prepare a detailed proposal in this regard and submit it to the international body for approval. A team of ASI officials, headed by the Superintending Archaeologist (Delhi Circle), has already been constituted for this purpose and will prepare a report as desired by the UNESCO team.

Among the monuments specifically pointed out by the experts' team were Jamali Kamali, Jahaz Mahal, tombs of Adam Khan and Quli Khan, Metcalfe's House, the mounds Lal Kot walls and even the historic Church which resembles both a temple and a mosque. The maintenance and upkeep of these monuments of historical significance were not of the expected level and their integration with the Qutab complex was a must, experts said.

As a result, the area under the ambit of the Qutab complex would now expand manifold. Insiders said the ASI was seriously considering a proposal for acquisition of all land coming under the proposed complex which will be submitted to the Union Government. A survey is already on, sources said.

Though a substantially large part of land belongs either to the Delhi Government or Delhi Development Authority, the real problem was likely to accrue from those properties whose ownership is being legally disputed. However, a major area of concern is the fast expanding unauthorised colony around the Church with patronage of local politicians.

During its visit to the Capital, the UNESCO team also expressed its happiness over the maintenance and upkeep of Humayun's Tomb -- another World Heritage Monument of the Capital. Though they visited Red Fort and expressed satisfaction over the progress of the on-going restoration work, they expressed their inability even to consider it for the World Heritage Monument Status as long as it had multiplicity of authority.

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