Delhi government to upgrade Ghalib academy as exhibition centre

NEW DELHI: Delhi government is upgrading the Ghalib academy as a permanent exhibition centre associated with poet Mirza Ghalib.

The Project includes improvement of façade, in line with the guidelines approved by National Monument Authority, replacing modern elements with traditional stone elements and internal renovations for creation of major public spaces such as an auditorium and multipurpose hall. Creating a shop front for publications related to Mirza Ghalib is also planned, said a senior Delhi government official.

"Also, there will be an installation of a permanent exhibit on Mirza Ghalib which requires designing based on historical research," the official said.

The Delhi Lt Governor Najeeb Jung today directed the Secretary of Delhi Urban Heritage Foundation to complete the works on Ghalib Academy and Aga Khan Foundation at the earliest.

Jung also reviewed the other works being undertaken by the Delhi Urban Heritage Foundation including the up-gradation and conservation of Hardayal Municipal Public Library.

"The project involves repairing of outer and inner structure of the Hardayal Municipal Public Library, replacement of book cases as also protection of rare books from dust, humidity, termites and fire and also digitization of old and rare books," the official said.

Also, the project of allotment of alternative EWS flats for 55 families residing in notified heritage structures and protected monument in Hazrat Nizamuddin Basti was reviewed.

Apart from that, government is in the process of restoring the Bengali Club at Kashmere Gate for which an MoU was signed between the DDA and INTACH, Delhi Chapter in October 2014.