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By APD writer Rishika Chauhan
NEW DELHI, November 19 (APD) : United Nations on Friday, awarded a century-old mansion in old Delhi, the prestigious 2017 Asia Pacific award for cultural heritage conservation.
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) gave the award for efforts made to conserve the heritage mansion called Haveli Dharampura.
Speaking to the media, Vijay Goel, the Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, who bought and restored the haveli, informed that it was a matter of pride and joy for heritage-lovers that conservation and protection of an ancient structure in Old Delhi had been acknowledged.
Goel said, “This is the only mansion in old Delhi in which all overhead cables have been shifted underground. Sewer lines in its vicinity have been replaced. All shops in the neighbourhood have identical signboards. “
“I could do it as I had the support of residents of the area and the passion. I have set an example how we could restore the lost glory of Chandni Chowk”, he added.
According to a Hindustan Times report, the mansion, which was initially built on, a traditional central courtyard plan, was in ruins since the last 13 years. The renovation of the building started in 2008.
It took six years to complete the renovation and restoration of features like balconies, traditional windows, arched gateway, carved sandstone facades, and wooden doorway.
The property has been converted into a boutique hotel with 13 rooms and has two restaurants. Rashmi Verma, the Secretary of Tourism Ministry, said, “Tourists coming to our country are more interested this kind of experiential tourism. What is good about this place is that they get to stay in the heart of the city and taste cuisine of the area.”
(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)
