logo
Archaeological Survey of India restores 16th-century stepwell in Delhi's Mehrauli

Archaeological Survey of India restores 16th-century stepwell in Delhi's Mehrauli

NEW DELHI: The conservation of the 16th-century stepwell, Rajon Ki Baoli, located in the heart of Mehrauli's historic archaeological site, has been completed.
This Lodi-era structure, originally designed to store water and provide shelter to travellers, is now open to the public. As part of the Rs 125 crore restoration project, officials have cleaned and desilted the baoli, while also connecting it to a proper drainage system. To maintain water quality, fish have been introduced into the stepwell.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) termed the revival of the structure a 'significant step toward protecting India's cultural and environmental heritage'.
The project was launched last year around in collaboration with the World Monuments Fund India (WMFI) and the TCS Foundation. It was a part of WMFI's Historic Water Systems of India initiative, funded by the foundation, aligning with the World Monuments Fund's Climate Heritage Initiative.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Work on Bhadra Ghat-Didarganj four-lane road to begin in July
Work on Bhadra Ghat-Didarganj four-lane road to begin in July

Time of India

timean hour ago

  • Time of India

Work on Bhadra Ghat-Didarganj four-lane road to begin in July

Patna: The work on the eight-kilometre stretch of a road from Bhadra Ghat to Didarganj along river Ganga in Patna City — which will serve as an alternative route to heavily congested Ashok Rajpath — is likely to start within a month. It will be a four-lane road, the width of which will be 21 metres, and there will be footpaths on both sides. The selection of a construction agency, which will have to set up a concrete batch mixing plant to start the process, has been done by the nodal agency, Bihar State Road Development Corporation Limited (BSRDCL). The construction agency has identified the land to set up the mixing plant near the construction site. After setting up the plant, the work on the four-lane project will begin in July, BSRDCL officials said on Friday. According to a BSRDCL official, the project, estimated to cost approximately Rs 101 crore, is targeted for completion within 18 months, after which the new road will serve as an alternative route to Ashok Rajpath, providing relief to nearly 10 lakh residents of Patna City from persistent traffic problems. The development plan includes upgrading the existing two-lane road from Gaighat to Damrahi Ghat (5km) to a four-lane highway, along with the construction of a new 3km four-lane stretch from Damrahi Ghat to Didarganj. The expansion will directly connect several important ghats, including Bhadra, Mirchai, Patna and Sharifganj. The official said that a contract was signed with the selected agency on May 4. Currently, the pre-construction activities are ongoing, which include setting up their office, touching plant, and mobilisation of workers and machines. The pre-construction activities will conclude within a month, and the construction work is likely to begin by next month, the BSRDCL official said. The new road infrastructure will particularly benefit devotees during religious festivals like Chhath Puja, providing easier access to the Ganga ghats. It will also ensure direct connectivity to JP Ganga Path at various points, including Gaighat, Kangan and Patna ghats, and Didarganj. Additionally, the first phase of the double-decker elevated road on Ashok Rajpath, from Gandhi Maidan to Krishna Ghat, is expected to become operational next month. However, its connection to PMCH remains pending due to ongoing metro rail project and multilevel parking construction. The BSRDCL official said the infrastructure development marks a significant step, promising smoother and faster travel for city residents. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Eid wishes , messages , and quotes !

45 kg gold used in Ram Temple; passes to be required for Ram Darbar visits
45 kg gold used in Ram Temple; passes to be required for Ram Darbar visits

Business Standard

time4 hours ago

  • Business Standard

45 kg gold used in Ram Temple; passes to be required for Ram Darbar visits

A total of 45 kilograms of pure gold has been used in the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, according to Nripendra Mishra, the chairman of the Ram Temple Construction Committee. Mishra informed on Friday, a day after the consecration of the Ram Darbar on the first floor of the temple complex. He said the estimated value of the gold, excluding taxes, is around Rs 50 crore. Gold has been used extensively in the doors on the ground floor of the temple and the throne of Lord Ram. He added that gold work is still ongoing in the Sheshavatar Temple. While the main structure of the Ram Temple has been completed, other parts of the temple complex, including the museum, auditorium, and guest house, are still under construction. These are expected to be completed by December 2025. Following the consecration of the Ram Darbar, Mishra said arrangements are being made for controlled public access to the sacred space. For now, only a limited number of devotees will be allowed to visit the Ram Darbar, and entry will be regulated through passes, which will be issued free of cost. Meanwhile, the consecration ceremony has drawn large crowds to the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. Champat Rai, Secretary of Ram temple trust, said that on Thursday the consecration ceremony of seven idols was completed at the temple. He stated that the idols installed on the first floor above the sanctum sanctorum include Ram Darbar in the middle, a Shivalinga in the north eastern corner, a Ganapati idol in the southeastern corner, Hanumana idol in the middle of the southern side, Surya in the south western corner, Bhagwati in the north western corner, and Annapurna Mata in the middle of the northern side. However, many devotees are facing difficulties due to the intense summer heat and limited arrangements to shield them from the sun. Ramji Mishra, a devotee who travelled from Basti district, said, "The path to the sanctum is very long, and the stones placed on the walkway become scorching hot under the sun. I used to visit Ayodhya before the grand temple was built, and back then the path to see Lord Ram was shorter and more comfortable. Now, the stones are so hot during the day they can cause blisters." His companion, Sudhakar Tiwari, added that although the temple trust has placed red mats over parts of the path, many of them have torn and become dangerously hot. "It's best to wear thick socks while visiting the temple in this weather," he advised. A Ram Temple Trust official clarified that the newly consecrated Ram Darbar is not yet open for general public. The trust is expected to finalise a plan for public access in an upcoming meeting, Mishra added. Thursday's was the second major ceremony at the Ram Temple, the first being the consecration of the Ram Lalla idol on January 22 last year in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a host of dignitaries from across the country. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

Why India's Parle-G biscuit is costing Rs 2,300 in Gaza
Why India's Parle-G biscuit is costing Rs 2,300 in Gaza

First Post

time5 hours ago

  • First Post

Why India's Parle-G biscuit is costing Rs 2,300 in Gaza

Mohammed Jawad, a Gaza resident, posted a video on X showing him giving his daughter a packet of Parle-G, a biscuit he says is her favourite. The clip comes amid severe food shortages and soaring prices in Gaza due to the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict. The biscuit, which normally sells for around Rs 100 in international markets, was reportedly bought for over Rs 2,300 due to the crisis read more This comes at a time when Gaza is struggling with severe food shortages. X/@Mo7ammed_jawad6 Parle-G is one of the most well-known and widely consumed biscuits in India, and it also has a presence in several other countries. Now, a video doing the rounds on social media shows a Palestinian father giving his daughter a packet of Parle-G . This comes at a time when Gaza is struggling with severe food shortages and a steep rise in prices of everyday items due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD ALSO READ | Explained: Is a genocide unfolding in Gaza? The biscuit, which usually costs Rs 100 in international markets, was reportedly purchased for over Rs 2,300 because of the crisis. In this explainer, we look at what the video shows, how Parle-G is being sold for such a high price in Gaza, and the issue of food scarcity and rising costs in the war-affected region. Here are the answers to these questions: Palestinian father says Parle-G is daughter's 'favourite': What happens in the video? Mohammed Jawad, a resident of Gaza, shared a video on X in which he is seen handing his daughter, Rafif, a packet of Parle-G , a biscuit he says is her favourite. Posting the video, he wrote, 'After a long wait, I finally got Ravif her favorite biscuits today. Even though the price jumped from €1.5 to over €24, I just couldn't deny Rafif her favorite treat.' After a long wait, I finally got Ravif her favorite biscuits today. Even though the price jumped from €1.5 to over €24, I just couldn't deny Rafif her favorite treat. — Mohammed jawad 🇵🇸 (@Mo7ammed_jawad6) June 1, 2025 Notably, Parle-G, the much-loved Indian biscuit, is available in the region but has become extremely scarce due to the ongoing food shortage in Gaza. What normally costs around Rs 100 a packet is now being sold for as much as Rs 2,342. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The high price shocked many online, as Parle-G is known in India for being one of the most affordable snacks. One user tagged External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, saying, 'The baby is eating India's favourite biscuit. Look I know we are neutral about the war. But can we please send more Parle G to Palestine? These are Glucose Biscuits and will help relieve the civilian population.' Another user commented, 'rafif deserves all the biscuits she desires, stay safe family.' After a long wait, I finally got Ravif her favorite biscuits today. Even though the price jumped from €1.5 to over €24, I just couldn't deny Rafif her favorite treat. — Mohammed jawad 🇵🇸 (@Mo7ammed_jawad6) June 1, 2025 'These biscuit are send as aid, then how come this becomes sold in black market (sic),' questioned another. So why has the price of this simple biscuit risen so sharply? And how are items meant as aid ending up for sale in Gaza's black market? ALSO READ | How Gaza's food relief centres have turned into death traps Why Parle-G is being sold for over Rs 2,300 The high price of Parle-G biscuits in Gaza is mainly due to extreme scarcity and inflated rates amid looting and limited food availability. Dr Khaled Alshawwa, a 31-year-old surgeon based in Gaza City, told NDTV that these items usually arrive as part of humanitarian aid and are meant to be distributed for free. However, only a small number of people receive them. This limited access turns such products into rare commodities, often resold on the black market at high prices. According to the report, prices vary depending on the location and the seller. The Parle-G packets seen in Gaza are marked with 'EXPORT PACK' and carry no printed price. The biscuit usually costs Rs 100 in international markets. Image: News18 It appears that the biscuits reached Gaza through aid shipments and were eventually acquired by a few vendors, who then sold them at prices far beyond the reach of ordinary residents, NDTV reported. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The publication reported that other essential items are also being sold at shockingly high rates. In northern Gaza, 1 kg of sugar was priced at Rs 4,914, and onions at Rs 4,423 per kg. Since March 18, when Israeli forces resumed offensive operations in Gaza, the cost of flour has soared by 5,000 per cent, and cooking oil by 1,200 per cent, according to residents quoted by Time Magazine. International aid agencies warn that famine is now imminent in Gaza. Their latest assessment, based on the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, declared the entire region to be in an 'Emergency' phase. As of May 12, around 470,000 people, about 22 per cent of Gaza's population, had entered the 'Catastrophe' phase, marked by starvation, death, and extreme levels of malnutrition. Meanwhile, critical support systems like community kitchens, which once fed thousands, have collapsed. The report also said UNRWA's main compound, along with local markets and kitchens, has been looted. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Gaza's humanitarian crisis Gaza's population of around two million is now almost entirely dependent on international aid, as the ongoing Israeli offensive has wiped out most of the region's ability to produce food. A woman crouches next to boxes of the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, as Palestinians gather to collect what remains of relief supplies, in Rafah. Reuters On March 2, Israel imposed a blockade on supplies entering Gaza. Limited aid only began to trickle in again late last month, following international pressure and urgent warnings about looming famine. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said the needs on the ground are immense and that the aid currently reaching Gaza is still far from enough. Israel, meanwhile, has accused Hamas, the political and militant group operating within Gaza, of taking control of aid and using it for its own purposes. As a result, it had paused traditional UN food deliveries. With inputs from agencies

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store