No signs to identify, relate historical importance; officials say ASI short of funds

In Green Park, the row of magnificent Lodi period structures continue to attract tourists and Delhiites. However, there are very few who are familiar with the names of these monuments — Shakri Gumti, Chhoti Gumti and Dadi Poti ki Gumbad.

Even as the Archaeological Survey of India has provided these structures a protected status, the structures stand in obscurity with no signboards to identify them — let alone describe their historical significance. What the monuments do have are blue signboards, where the ASI claims the structures as its property.

Regular visitors to the park have worked out their own names. A group of young boys playing near the Shakri Gumti said they call the monument ‘Tumbak Park’.

Green Park, however, is not the sole example of unidentified monuments. Be it the Subz Burj in Nizamuddin or the Khairul Manzil opposite Purana Qila, most heritage structures despite being among the list of ‘protected monuments’ have no signage.

ASI officials, meanwhile, cite lack of funds as the reason behind the oversight. “Despite getting the status of protected monuments, most of them have been lying in neglect due to paucity of funds. Earlier, the fund allocation was around Rs 2 crore for a year for the Delhi circle, which was lately increased to Rs 3 crore. Under this, 174 monuments have to be maintained, leaving a paltry sum for each of them,” a senior ASI official said. “Only those monuments which are prominent and frequently visited are in focus and taken care off.”

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