Delhi: Havelis
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In brief
The Times of India, Aug 27 2015
Richi Verma
City's havelis losing fight against neglect and nature The 150-year old haveli in Kucha Pati Ram that collapsed wasn't iconic just for its vintage. It had served as the backdrop of movies like Tanu Weds Manu and TV shows like Bahadurshah Zafar (aired on Doordarshan in the late 1980s), and commemorative events celebrating the life and works of Mirza Ghalib were regularly held here. Celebrities like Gulzar and Vishal Bhardwaj, too, visited it apart from scores of tourists who routinely came here to study unique havelis of the Walled City.
“Most havelis in the Walled City date to the post Mughal era. This one was among the first few to be built in the Walled City . It had a huge courtyard and small rooms, while in most havelis it's the other way around,“ said Vijay Singh, former deputy commissioner (City Zone) and advisor of a heritage charitable society. He had adopted the haveli many years ago and had been working on showcasing the heritage of these old buildings.
The haveli doubled as an interpretation centre and had pictures, old maps and drawings on the interior walls showcasing its rich past. “It was a common destination for heritage walk guides. The large courtyard was an added incentive,“ said an official.
Civic officials were still clearing the rubble on Wednesday afternoon, and inspection of the haveli wasn't possible. But they said three rooms in the front portion had collapsed while the courtyard was intact.Corporation officials didn't comment on the reason for collapse, but sources said seepage due to recent rains had weakened the walls. Many havelis are wither ing away due to decades of neglect. Owners can't afford to maintain them while civic agencies have looked away . Also, the Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Corporation that was set up to protect Old Delhi's heritage is yet to come up with a plan to preserve these havelis.
Many years ago, MCD had notified 767 heritage buildings, but never took any steps to preserve them.In 2007, Intach came out with a separate list of 738 privately-owned heritage havelis needing protection.With the list pending notification with the UD department for years, the number got reduced to 554 in 2014.
Kucha Pati Ram is known for houses with amazing facades, mostly dating to the early or late 19th century and early 20th centu ry. “The styles echo those of earlier centuries and give you a glimpse of how attractive and prosperous an Old Delhi residence used to be, says a description of the lane. Sadly , one of these grand reminders is now lost.
