RWAs to get 25 monuments for care

Amitabh Shukla

New Delhi, September 17

The Delhi government has decided to involve resident welfare associations (RWAs) in maintaining historical monuments across Delhi.

The government plans to give an annual grant of Rs 1 lakh to select RWAs for maintaining archaeologically significant monuments in their locality. The office-bearers of RWAs will have to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the government.

"We will invite applications from RWAs for maintaining 25 monuments, which were selected and renovated by the government recently," said Nita Bali, secretary, art and culture, Delhi government.

RWAs can protect these monuments from vandalism and improve the landscape. The Lodhi period mosque inside Sadhna Enclave can be better protected by the RWA than government officials said Bali.

"The art and culture department will supervise the RWAs, who after consulting the government can handle beautification and involve private parties in providing snack joints and souvenir shops," Bali said.

Department officials described the plan as empowering citizens and inculcating a sense of heritage among them. "Public involvement in protecting heritage is limited; and we want to promote a sense of pride amongst citizens for the monuments near their home," said Bali