The initiative is a project of the Aga Khan Development Network

Hazrat Nizamuddin Baoli was built in AD 1321-2 and is the only surviving step-well in Delhi which still holds water, considered sacred by the millions of annual pilgrims. The vaulted southern arcade of the Baoli is contemporary to its Tughlaq construction as are possible the two domed pavilions on either side of its northern edge. The western side of the baoli has three monuments – the Chini Ka Burj, Gogabai tomb and the Lal Chaubura while the eastern side has the vaulted corridor leading to the Dargah.

The Baoli conservation is an example of a complex urban conservation project with multiple requirements that could only be addressed by a multi- disciplinary team and partnership of several government agencies.

What did we do

In July 2008, portions of the eastern wall collapsed threatening the security of the 18 families that were occupying the southern terrace and the 5000 or so pilgrims who used the corridor each day to visit the Dargah.

The collapsed portion was rebuilt using traditional building materials and techniques. Original Ashlar facing stones which had fallen in the Baoli and were buried in the sludge were lifted manually, collected and reused. Works were carried out from sunrise to sunset for over four months. A 3-5 cm thick epoxy layer that was applied to the Baoli in 2002 was carefully removed. A mammoth effort of desilting the Baoli to its original depth of 80 feet below the ground level was undertaken which meant removing 700 years of accumulated dust. The manual lifting of sludge required over 8000 man-days of work.

The structural conservation was coupled with building alternate houses for 19 families that lived on the roof of the stepwell. The AKDN team initiated dialogue with the residents and then on the behalf of the residents with concerned government agencies culminating in AKTC building houses for all families on alternate plots secured for them from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi/ Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board.

In this first successful relocation carried out in Delhi in several years it was ensured that the families continue to reside adjoining one another to maintain community bonds and support, additional support such as transport allowance, vocational training, access to healthcare and education was provided.

The Baoli conservation is an example of a complex urban conservation project with multiple requirements that could only be addressed by a multi- disciplinary team and partnership of several government agencies.

All along the Baoli stand historical structures of significance. Along both sides of the Baoli’s northern edge stands a domed tomb chamber in private ownership and management. Due to their poor condition, these structures were used only for storage. The families have since approached AKTC to undertake conservation of these tomb structures. The ongoing conservation works have also significantly enhance the urban setting of the Hazrat Nizamuddin Baoli.

The Baoli is at the centre of a 700 year living culture. The project undertook major urban improvement works to restore the architectural character and enhance the setting of the 14th century Baoli/stepwell, which also have restored the spirit of the place serving as a major entrance to the Dargah.

Over summer 2009, a detailed physical survey of the Basti was carried out to prepare a local area plan in consultation with local community. Several urban improvement initiatives like the open space development, street improvement, provision of services like community toilets, street lighting, and kiosks for flower vendors have been part of an urban renewal plan around the Baoli

The Process
People Involved
Architects
Engineers
Community
Government
Craftsmen
Urban
Planners
Cultural
Leaders
Documentation
and Archivists
Waste &
Sanitation Team
Socio development
Professionals
Heritage
Awareness