The heritage landscape in Delhi may soon be organised into a network of cultural precincts linking monuments, historic neighbourhoods, markets and cultural destinations, with the Master Plan for Delhi-2047 (MPD-2047) identifying nine indicative clusters across the city, including Nizamuddin, Mehrauli, Hauz Khas, Lodhi Road, Chirag Dilli and the Walled City.
A range of cultural and visitor-oriented activities could be permitted within notified precincts, subject to statutory approvals and the relevant CRMP. These include art galleries, exhibition and performance spaces, small museums, restaurants and cafes, guest houses, cultural research centres, libraries, arts and crafts centres and information or interpretation centres. Because of its distinctive historic character, the Walled City has been given special provisions.
The plan describes it as Delhi’s “historical core and business centre” and calls for cultural precincts to be delineated within it, followed by conservation and area-improvement plans. The plan, approved by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) on Wednesday and accessed by HT, proposes treating these areas not merely as collections of individual monuments but as connected heritage districts, with improvements to streets, public spaces, mobility, conservation and cultural activities.
