Green stretch beyond Tughlakabad

By Our Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI, APRIL 23.

Plans are afoot to integrate the historic Tughlakabad Fort area complex in South Delhi with the picturesque township of Surajkund in neighbouring Haryana which would lead to the development of a permanent green stretch over 1,000 acres.

The Union Urban Development Minister, Mr. Jagmohan, is said to have taken up the issue with the Haryana Chief Minister, Mr. Om Prakash Chautala, and sought his cooperation. Once developed, the area would not only act as a fresh green-lung for the heavily polluted Capital, but would also be a recreational centre for Delhiites and a tourist attraction.

According to details of the proposal, being prepared by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), a large stretch of land was already green except for several big patches of open and encroached space now sought to be being integrated.

``How and in what way it will be integrated with Surajkund will be arrived at only after consultations with the Haryana Government,'' said a senior DDA official. Besides as many as four historic forts, this area on the southern most fringe of the city already has a shooting range and the Kaya Maya temple, having large stretches of green. It has been decided to transform the existing rose garden near the Fort into a interpretation centre.

With the popularity of Surajkund high due to its annual mela, it is argued that the integration of Tughlakabad with this township would emerge as yet another added green landmark. At the same time efforts are being taken to clear the area of all encroachments and unauthorised constructions. As part of this the DDA, it is understood, has issued notices to the Indian Air Force for constructing a multi-storied staff quarters very near to the Adilabad Fort. The Air Force has been asked why its under- construction structure should not be demolished as it falls in the green area. Notices have been issued, at the instruction of Mr. Jagmohan, after a Tughlakabad review meeting recently.

The Archaeological Survey of India has already denied permission to the Air Force for such a construction. It has not only lodged two FIRs, but also passed instructions for its demolition. The order, however, could not be executed so far. While the boundary wall of the defence land, which was allotted to it for camping purpose, falls within the prohibited 100 metre zone of Adilabad Fort, its multi-storied complex is just 148 metres away from it, said ASI officials.

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