Delhi’s Kamla Nagar, Lajpat Nagar markets to undergo renovation for a fresh look and improved facilities.

Delhi Government Asks SPA to Prepare Proposal for Redevelopment of City Markets

The Delhi government has requested the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA) to create a detailed proposal for the redevelopment of three city markets. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi will approve the plan, as it was appointed as the executing agency by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal earlier this year. The first phase of the project will focus on the Kirti Nagar, Kamla Nagar, and Lajpat Nagar markets, while the second phase will include Sarojini Nagar and Khari Baoli. SPA has been asked to consider the current status of the markets, feedback from traders’ associations, and provide maps and boundaries of each market in the proposal.

Detailed Proposal and Design Competition

The proposal prepared by SPA will include a detailed write-up on each market, provisions of the zonal development plans, status of civic amenities and urban infrastructure, and problems and issues concerning the markets. Stakeholder consultation will also be a part of the proposal. Additionally, the proposal will outline the modalities of the design competition to hire a consultant and estimate the cost for the redevelopment. The prize money given to the consultant agency will be adjusted in its remuneration. Once approved by the chief engineer of MCD, the project will be forwarded for final approval, and the Delhi government will allocate funds for the works and hold the design competition.

Active Involvement and Expedited Project

Industries Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj has instructed a senior officer of Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Corporation to be actively involved in the project and expedite its progress. The minister has emphasized the need for time-bound compliance of decisions and effective coordination mechanisms among participating agencies.

TimesView

The involvement of experts like SPA in the redevelopment project is a positive step. Engaging institutions with expertise can contribute to better planning and execution. Similar collaborations should be encouraged in future projects as well.