Latest news with #DelhiTourismDepartment
Indian Express
15-07-2025
- Indian Express
Coming soon at Delhi's Garden of Five Senses: Ayurvedic spa, paintball, rock climbing
The next time you go to the Garden of Five Senses near Saket, it could be for a visit to an ayurvedic wellness spa, to go rock climbing or play paintball. The Delhi government is planning to turn the space, which was designed to stimulate the five senses — sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste — into a recreational hub, which would include a library cafe, a craft cafe showcasing local artisanship, as well as adventure activities. The Delhi Tourism Department has invited an Expression of Interest (EOI) to engage a consultant to prepare a plan and guide the department for the job. 'Activities like pre-wedding shoots take place in the park, but to promote tourism, the department is planning comprehensive redevelopment. We have invited tenders to appoint a consultant/landscape architect,' said a senior official. The consultant will have to come up with a plan to redesign the entire park, including open and covered spaces, signage, art elements, furniture, shelters, parking, boundary walls, entry/exit gates, tourist activities, rainwater harvesting etc, said officials. 'The idea is to redevelop the park in a way that irrespective of whether you are a nature lover, fitness enthusiast, art admirer, someone looking for the perfect photo-op or someone who just wants to take a break and listen to the music from the singing trees from Bastar or the music pillars from Southern India, you can find it here…,' the official said. This is not the first time that redevelopment of the garden has been envisioned. When senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia was the tourism minister, he proposed activities such as bungee jumping and rock climbing, but the forest department did not grant clearance. Asked about the adventure activities being planned, officials said, 'Since there are rocks and trees, adjoining the forest area nearby, we will have to seek permission… The appointed consultant will study and give suggestions that will be feasible and not harm nature.' The redevelopment will be done in compliance with the Delhi Master Plan. 'The aim is to upgrade the park and beautify it, offering a variety of activities, keeping in mind eco sustainability,' said officials. At present, the park is divided into distinct zones — including the entrance and administration plaza, Khas Bagh, rainwater pond, Rang Bagh, Neel Bagh, zen garden, amphitheater, rock ridge and the solar energy park.
New Indian Express
12-07-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
No foreign tourist should leave India without Delhi, this is our dream: CM Rekha Gupta
NEW DELHI: The Delhi government aims to transform the capital into the country's most dynamic city through robust policy measures and active public participation, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said on Friday. 'Our dream is that whenever a foreign tourist visits India, they should not return without visiting Delhi,' she said, addressing the 'DELIGHT for Delhi' Summit, organised by the Delhi Tourism Department and Invest India. The city holds immense potential in sectors such as tourism, education, culture, and startups, Gupta said. The event saw participation of representatives of leading investor firms, policymakers, experts, and entrepreneurs. Gupta said Delhi is not just the capital of India but also the 'soul of the nation'. It is a city that embodies rich culture, diverse heritage, and glorious history, she said, adding that the capital, today, represents a 'remarkable confluence of modernity and tradition.' Gupta stressed Delhi possesses all the elements that can attract tourists from across the globe - be it history, culture, art, music, cuisine, or heritage. 'What is needed now is a powerful platform and impactful global presentation to bring Delhi's richness to the world stage. Just as tourism is expanding in other Indian states, it is crucial to firmly establish Delhi's place on the global tourism map,' the Chief Minister added. Gupta also asserted that the Delhi government is working round-the-clock to enhance the image of the national capital, ensuring cleanliness, beautification, and development on all quarters.
New Indian Express
10-07-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
After Dilli Haat fire, vendors struggle to rebuild lives amid uncertainty
Though the Delhi Tourism Department offered six months of rent-free accommodation starting July 7 and announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh per vendor, most traders are yet to receive the amount. Some vendors said the promised sum is inadequate. 'We pay more than Rs 5 lakh in rent alone in six months. How can this cover our losses?' one artisan questioned. The government also offered an alternative space at Dilli Haat, Pitampura, along with a year of rent-free shops. But most vendors rejected the proposal, citing lack of footfall. 'Only influencers go to Pitampura. We won't survive there,' a trader explained. The rent-free arrangement at INA is valid until December 31, 2025, after which the vendors face an uncertain future. A group of them recently met Cabinet Minister Kapil Mishra, who assured that compensation cheques had been signed and would be distributed soon. Meanwhile, vendors are pleading for basic promotional support to help attract footfall. 'Our shops are now at the back. Visitors think the market is shut. We need banners at the gate to let people know we are still here,' said a vendor. As they rebuild from ashes, these artisans are not just asking for aid, they are demanding visibility, dignity, and a chance to survive.
