New Delhi [India], October 22 (ANI): The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), Delhi Chapter, to organise heritage and nature walks at DDA’s heritage and green spaces.
According to DDA, the guided walk encourages people to explore and appreciate the city’s rich historical, architectural, cultural and natural heritage.
Earlier this month, Delhi Governor Sardar Taranjit Singh Sandhu led a Heritage Walk with enthusiastic participation from people of Delhi at Sanjay Van and launched the e-book “Exploring the Delhi Ridge – Reviving the Heritage of Lungs of Delhi”.
He instructed the DDA to focus on conserving ecology, protecting heritage and organising heritage walks to connect people of Delhi to nature.
As per DDA, the MoU would facilitate two heritage and nature walks every month. The initiative begins with the Heritage Walk at Mehrauli Archaeological Park on October 24 at 4 PM. It will introduce participants to the park’s historic structures, architectural features and lesser-known stories, offering an opportunity to explore the many layers of Delhi’s history.
The twelve walks will cover six locations within 6 months, which include Sanjay Van, Mehrauli Archaeological Park, Sultan Garhi, Tughlaqabad, Deer Park/Hauz Khas and the Northern Ridge.
The DDA mentions that the INTACH Delhi Chapter will curate the routes, themes and interpretative content and arrange heritage experts and guides in coordination with DDA. DDA will coordinate the necessary administrative arrangements, including access and permissions for participants and guides, to ensure the smooth and hassle-free conduct of the walks.
To ensure meaningful interaction, each walk will accommodate up to 40 participants. For the convenience of the public, online registration is available through the DDA portal, allowing participants to register from anywhere. The participation fee is Rs. 500 plus GST per person per walk, and the registration link is bit.ly/HeritageWalkMAP
The DDA disclosed that the Master Plan for Delhi 2047 (MPD-2047) emphasises the conservation of Delhi’s rich heritage alongside planned and sustainable urban development. It encourages heritage trails, cultural circuits and public activities to promote tourism, support local businesses and connect people with the city’s history.
Earlier this year, DDA organised Heritage Week to raise awareness of Delhi’s rich cultural and architectural heritage, particularly among students and young people. The week-long programme featured engaging activities for students and the general public, encouraging greater interest in the city’s historical legacy.
The DDA remains committed to making Delhi’s heritage more accessible and meaningful to the public. The Authority invites people, particularly youth, to participate in the heritage and nature walks, explore the stories behind the city’s historic places and develop a greater appreciation of the culture and heritage that make Delhi unique. Greater public participation will preserve this shared legacy for future generations, the release added. (ANI)