Dial to shift old 'sarai'

In a classic case of such a tussle, the IGI Airport's expansion march has run into the path of a 15th century Mughal structure that traces its roots to the period of Sher Shah Suri, known best for constructing the World Heritage Site, Salimgarh Fort in Delhi.
To modern problems there are unusual solutions. The Sarai Sohel, an unprotected structure, will probably be the first ever historical structure in Delhi that will be relocated. The proposal of relocation was floated by the Archaeological Survey of India and members of the Heritage Conservation Committee.
According to Delhi International Airport (P) Ltd, the structure is located next to its cargo complex. "It will probably come in the way of cargo expansion, which will happen in the coming few months. Airport authorities had requested ASI to relocate this structure quite some time back," said sources. Officials from DIAL, the airport management, added that the entire cost of relocating the structure would be borne by them and work would be carried out under the expertise of ASI which has undertaken similar projects successfully in other parts of the country in the past.
The monument, however, does not come under central protection and sources say it was de-notified a few years ago.
06/07/08 Richi Verma & Neha Lalchandani/Times of India

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Categories: Airports Jul 2008