8 Jul 2009 – Times of India
NEW DELHI: In a unique initiative to restore the architectural integrity and historical significance of the 17th century Humayun’s Tomb, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) have removed a thick layer of cement concrete from the mausoleum’s roof that was putting a pressure of about 10 lakh kg on the structure.
According to experts, the British laid the cement concrete on the roof of the monument in 1920s to prevent water seepage. However, the layer blocked water drainage channels leading to heavy rainwater accumulation that caused considerable damage. “Instead of repairing the roof, the British simply added a heavy concrete layer on it. This led to a blockage in water passages. The rainwater accumulated on the roof caused severe damage to stonework in the monument as well as disfigurement of architectural elements,” said a senior ASI official.
ASI director general K N Shrivastava said: “The extra cement was an unnecessary weight on the structure. Rather than laying this cement, the leakages in the roof-top should have been simply plugged. Removal of the concrete cement is an asset for the tomb.”
Removal of the lime concrete revealed hidden portions of the monument’s roof steps, octagonal base of the dome, red sandstone plinths of chhatris etc. It also cleared the gutters to allow free passage of rainwater. “The tomb’s roof has had several additional layers of lime concrete applied to it in the past century to prevent water ingress. This extra load caused severe stress and waterlogging with the original drains no longer functional,” explained an official.
Ismailimail 