Excerpt: Earlier, in 1997, the Aga Khan had funded the restoration of the gardens around Humayun’s tomb as a gift to India on the 50th anniversary of its Independence.
But the current project is envisaged to run much deeper. It is an urban renewal initiative, which goes beyond architecture. It includes the Nizamuddin Basti in the belief that conservation should generate livelihoods and make meaningful improvements in the way ordinary folks live. It is not enough to bring back monuments. The community must be involved.
Says Ratish Nanda, project director, “The restoration of the gardens at Humayun’s tomb was seen as a successful PPP venture. But His Highness the Aga Khan wasn’t satisfied because people hadn’t benefitted.”
“We looked for projects in Hyderabad and Agra and came back here because of the possibility of linking conservation with major socio-economic development. Its central location helps us create a visible model,” says Nanda.
“We see conservation as a tool. It is not an end in itself,” he explains.
Ismailimail 