Step Back in Time: DDA Partners With INTACH for Epic Heritage Walks
Explore Delhi's hidden history! DDA partners with INTACH to organize 12 guided heritage and nature walks across the city's iconic green spaces.
Delhi is a city where every stone tells a story, and now, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) is making those stories accessible to everyone. In a bid to reconnect citizens with the city's architectural and natural splendor, the DDA has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), Delhi Chapter, to organize a series of guided heritage and nature walks.
Connecting People to the 'Lungs of Delhi'
The initiative comes on the heels of a push by Delhi Governor Sardar Taranjit Singh Sandhu, who recently led a walk through Sanjay Van and launched the e-book “Exploring the Delhi Ridge - Reviving the Heritage of Lungs of Delhi.” The Governor has urged the DDA to prioritize ecological conservation and heritage protection, emphasizing the importance of bringing people closer to nature.
Under the new partnership, the DDA and INTACH will facilitate two guided walks every month, totaling 12 walks over the next six months. These excursions are designed to help participants appreciate the intricate layers of Delhi’s history, from its ancient ruins to its vital green belts.
Where Will the Walks Take You?
The program will cover six iconic locations, ensuring a diverse experience of the city's landscape. The scheduled sites include:
- Mehrauli Archaeological Park (The starting point)
- Sanjay Van
- Sultan Garhi
- Tughlaqabad
- Deer Park/Hauz Khas
- The Northern Ridge
The journey begins on October 24 at 4 PM at the Mehrauli Archaeological Park. Participants will be introduced to historic structures and lesser-known narratives that have shaped the city over centuries.
How It Works: Logistics and Registration
To ensure a high-quality, intimate experience, each walk is limited to a maximum of 40 participants. The collaboration divides responsibilities clearly: INTACH will curate the themes, design the routes, and provide expert guides, while the DDA will handle administrative permissions and access to ensure a seamless experience.
For those eager to join, registration is available online via the DDA portal. The participation fee is set at Rs. 500 plus GST per person per walk. Interested residents can register through the link: bit.ly/HeritageWalkMAP.
A Vision for Delhi 2047
This initiative is not just about leisure; it is part of a larger urban vision. The Master Plan for Delhi 2047 (MPD-2047) places a heavy emphasis on sustainable urban development paired with the conservation of heritage. By promoting cultural circuits and heritage trails, the DDA aims to boost tourism and support local businesses while fostering a sense of pride in the city's legacy.
Having previously organized a 'Heritage Week' to engage students and young people, the DDA is now calling upon the youth to participate in these walks. The goal is to transform the way Delhiites perceive their city—not just as a bustling metropolis, but as a living museum that must be preserved for future generations.