The Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Corporation is putting in place 3-dimensional Geographic Information System (GIS) for round-the-clock monitoring of 1,200 monuments under its ambit. The idea is being seen as a comprehensive solution to check encroachment and damage to the city’s monuments.

As part of the project, all monuments will be digitally mapped in their current state first and cameras will be positioned in monitoring centres to keep a constant vigil.

“The complete project for Delhi is estimated to cost Rs 20 crore and digital mapping of monuments is an important part of this,” Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Corporation managing director Savitur Prasad told Newsline. “We hope to conserve and protect our heritage through this initiative.”

Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Corporation was set up by the Delhi government in May 2008 to restore the area’s heritage sites.

The present project is a subset of the Delhi State Spatial Data Infrastructure, which will eventually map the entire city for real-time monitoring. An initiative of the Delhi government, the Survey of India has also been engaged to work out the details.

The project has a March 2010 deadline.

As part of the project, Prasad said, all 1,200 monuments will be surveyed and 3-dimensional digital imaging will be done to prepare a final database. “This will help monitor encroachment — any alterations or damage caused to monuments can then be easily detected through a change detection method,” Prasad said. “The database will also be available online for heritage enthusiasts and visitors — they can take a virtual heritage tour of the city.”

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