Jama Masjid redevelopment plan submitted to HC: MCD

New Delhi, Jan 24 (UNI) The MCD today said it had submitted the final plan for the redevelopment of the Jama Masjid precincts, incorporating the recommendations of the DUAC, religious leaders and the residents of the area, to the Delhi High Court.

''The plan has been submitted to the High Court and in the Delhi Urban Art Commission for clearance and work should start soon,'' Deputy Commissioner of city zone Vijay Singh told newspersons here.

Mr Singh said the MCD had removed the unauthorised constructions from the area as per the directions of the court.

''The plan is aimed at restoring the Jama Masjid to its original glory, reviving two layers of Mughal and British periods. We want to retain the heritage look by restoring the Mughal facade of the buildings while beautifying the area and making it more accessible.'' he said.

He also clarified that media reports about changes in the original plan were not correct. ''We have just made some modifications incorporating inputs from the court, DUAC and the area's residents.'' Local MLA Shoiab Iqbal had recently claimed that the MCD had changed the development plan clandestinely for commercial reasons which could create law and order problems.

Mr Singh said devotees had been finding it difficult to offer prayers because of the congested surroundings and unauthorised markets.'' We have drawn up the plan and made changes so as to enable 50,000 people to offer namaz.'' He also denied that shopkeepers would be displaced.

''All the 650 shopkeepers of Meena Bazaar and 225 shopkeepers of the dargah area will be relocated and benefited.'' He said the project cost, around Rs 300 crore, would be raised through auction of commercial space created in the form of Khas bazaar.

The Mosques and Mazaars would be restored and beautified with Indo-Islamic architecture, he said, adding the Precinct would be protected by a beautiful wall constructed in Mughal style, creating green open space of more than 25 acres.

''Below the present ground level, a three level underground parking for 60 buses, 4500 cars and 4000 two wheelers would be developed.'' UNI RR RL BD1927