ASI encourages residents in Mehrauli to preserve the 700-year-old pond

The Archaeological Survey of India has completed major restoration work at the neglected Shamsi Talab in Mehrauli. It has also encouraged the locals to take the initiative in preserving the pond for future generations.

An ASI Delhi Circle official said: “Over the years, unscrupulous residents have been dumping garbage into this pond. Dumping has led to ugly growth of vegetation. The ASI has set up a team of dedicated workers to clear 30,000 square metres of vegetation. The exercise at Shamsi Talab is now complete.”

Involving the locals in the upkeep of the pond was another objective of the ASI. “It was important to create awareness about the need to maintain Shamsi Talab, built by Sultan Shams-ud-din Iltutmish. Now the RWA has evinced interest in the pond and is already maintaining it,” said a senior ASI official.

Speaking to The Hindu , ASI Additional Director-General B. R. Mani said the objective was to preserve the “700-year-old pond”.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> New Delhi / by Madhur Tankha / New Delhi – December 02nd, 2013