Vidhan Sabha building to turn into heritage hub | Delhi News – Times of India

New Delhi: Delhi Assembly’s speaker Vijender Gupta wrote to Union tourism minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Tuesday, seeking his support in transforming the Vidhan Sabha building into a vibrant historical heritage hub. Gupta urged Shekhawat for help from the tourism ministry in preparing a comprehensive project report for the preservation of the building’s architectural integrity.In his letter, Gupta proposed converting the assembly campus—built in 1912 and steeped in India’s legislative and political history—into a dynamic space celebrating the capital’s rich democratic legacy.The speaker also sought a meeting with senior officials of the tourism ministry to discuss the feasibility, scope, and cultural implications of the project.Originally established as the seat of Imperial Legislative Council, the Delhi Vidhan Sabha building stands as a significant symbol of India’s political evolution. “Having witnessed numerous milestones in the country’s democratic journey, the building is not only an architectural landmark but also a repository of the nation’s institutional memory,” Gupta said.The assembly secretariat, in a statement, said recognising the historical and cultural value of this iconic structure, the speaker requested the ministry’s support in preparing a comprehensive project report to guide the proposed transformation.”The initiative seeks to conserve the building’s architectural integrity while enhancing its accessibility and relevance as a public heritage space. The key components outlined in the speaker’s proposal include heritage conservation through restoration and preservation of the assembly’s original architectural features; the establishment of a legislative museum and interactive exhibitions to chronicle the legislative history of Delhi and the broader democratic framework of India; the development of tourism infrastructure such as visitor facilities, guided tours, informative signage, and audio-visual aids to enhance the overall visitor experience; and community engagement by involving local artisans, performers, and cultural practitioners to enliven the space through curated programs and cultural events,” the statement read.Officials said the proposed collaboration aimed to ensure that the initiative was implemented efficiently, with expert guidance and alignment with national heritage and tourism objectives.”This initiative is a step toward preserving and celebrating the democratic heritage of Delhi. The transformation of the assembly campus into a heritage hub will not only honour the past but also serve as a source of inspiration and education for future generations,” Gupta stated in the letter.The speaker held a meeting with Shekhawat last month to discuss his plan to convert the assembly building into a heritage structure.