The Supreme Court has reprimanded the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) for neglecting upkeep around the 700-year-old Gumti of Shaikh Ali, a Lodi-era structure in Defence Colony, after a court-appointed commissioner reported clogged drains, construction debris, and poor maintenance. The sharp rebuke highlights the broader challenge of preserving Delhi’s heritage in the midst of urban expansion and weak municipal accountability.
During Thursday’s hearing, the court expressed deep dissatisfaction over repeated lapses despite prior assurances from the civic agency. The bench noted that the monument had already been cleared of encroachments and declared a protected site, making its upkeep a mandatory civic responsibility. However, reports suggest the area continues to suffer from waste accumulation, choked water lines and poor lighting issues that not only degrade the monument’s condition but also worsen the environmental health of the locality.Officials from the civic body argued that routine cleaning is being carried out, but the court observed that mere meetings and assurances were not translating into measurable ground-level action. The justices warned that continued negligence may invite stricter monitoring, even suggesting the possibility of live video verification of the site’s condition.
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Experts point out that Delhi’s heritage sites face systemic neglect as civic priorities remain tilted towards infrastructure expansion. Without sustainable upkeep, centuries-old monuments risk turning into dumping grounds. Environmental planners emphasise that heritage maintenance is not only a cultural obligation but also an ecological one proper drainage, waste management, and lighting improve both urban hygiene and community safety.In July, the top court had directed coordinated action between the MCD, Delhi government, and archaeology department to ensure the monument’s restoration and long-term maintenance. It mandated regular sweeping, debris removal, unclogging of drains, and upkeep of civic amenities such as water and street lighting. Yet, with lapses resurfacing within weeks, questions are being raised about the city’s capacity to balance heritage conservation with urban pressures.
For residents of Defence Colony, the Gumti stands as a reminder of the city’s layered history, but its current state reflects the failure of civic planning. Sustainable urban development, experts say, cannot be achieved if heritage and ecological assets are left to decay. The court’s intervention signals growing judicial impatience with civic inefficiency, a reminder that preserving monuments is integral to building equitable, environmentally responsible, and liveable cities.
