In a brazen violation of laws governing historical sites in Delhi, a new building is being constructed next to the 14th century Nizamuddin Dargah and baoli, with a 15-feet deep basement being dug up.
The 60-65 square yard construction site stands adjacent to the baoli (step well), which is fed by underground springs, on the side of Gogabai's tomb.
The AMASR (Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains) Act, 2010 strictly prohibits any building work within 100 metres of a protected ASI site.Moreover, Nizamuddin is a designated 'Heritage Area' as per the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and no building work can be undertaken here without its sanction.
Locals reported that work began on Saturday and Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), officials said their ground staff were yet to report the illegal development to them.When Mail Today visited the site on Tuesday, earth removing work was in full force with excavators and labourers employed.
Green and red sheets had been put up to hide it from the public view.
While no immediate damage is visible to the Tughlaq-era baoli, worried khadims (religious caretakers) at the Nizamuddin dargah said that the construction had 'only just begun.' Locals fear how durable the building would be as it would stand on land prone to liquefaction.
Kashif Nizami, in-charge of Nizamuddin Dargah, said: 'This is an assault on the holy baoli.
'It was created in 1300 CE by Sufi saint Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya. Also, it is not a dry one but 160-feet deep and retains green colour water in all seasons.
'Its old walls may just collapse under the stress of the hammers and machines working on its sides. It may not be handle the pressure,' he said.
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