Close X
Monday, November 11, 2024
ADVT 
India

Delhi's Qutub Minar Under Renovation As Bird Excreta Causes Damage

IANS, 03 Jul, 2018 10:04 PM
  • Delhi's Qutub Minar Under Renovation As Bird Excreta Causes Damage
Bat poop and bird droppings are spelling nightmare for the centuries-old Qutub Minar in Delhi, following which the ASI has started work on replacing its old wooden doors and windows, a senior official said today.
The work will be completed by this month end.
 
 
The 72.5 m-high minaret, country's tallest, is getting refurbished after 50 years, as the Sal wood-made doors and window panels have become old, and cracks in them were allowing birds and bats to enter the inner sides of this towering monument, part of UNESCO World Heritage Qutub Complex.
 
 
 "The groundwork began over a month ago and the replacement work is underway. The projected cost for the entire work is Rs. 8 lakh and we expect to finish it by July end," Superintending Archaeologist, ASI (Delhi Circle), N K Pathak, told.
 
 
The iconic stone-made tower, endowed with rich inscriptions has four round ornate balconies at different levels, with an opening at each level.
 
 
It has a diameter of 14.32 m at the base and 2.75 m at the top. It is faced with red and buff sandstones on three storeys and marble on the rest, according to a publication by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
 
 
 "These old wooden doors had developed cracks allowing bats and birds, especially pigeons to wander in. The droppings from these winged creatures became quite an issue, both in terms of cleaning and the damage it can cause to the stones. So, it was decided to replace them," Mr Pathak said.
 
 
He said, the doors, window and ventilators number about 37, with one main door at the base, followed by four at each level.
 
 
"The new door and window panels have Sal wood frames and metal net (meshwork) in the middle to allows circulation of air," he added.
 
 
Though entry to inside of the minaret is restricted, the bird excreta reacting with the stones could have had led to serious damage, Pathak said.
 
 
Founder of the Delhi Sultanate Qutab-ud-din-Aibak started the construction of the Qutub Minar's first storey around 1192. In 1220, Aibak's successor and son-in-law Iltutmish completed the rest of the storeys. 
 
 
"A lightning strike had destroyed the top storey a few centuries ago. Firoz Shah Tughlaq replaced the damaged storey, and added one more level in it," Mr Pathak said.
 
 
Qutub Minar is one of the most-visited and most-photographed monuments in India and has been featured in several films and documentaries.

MORE India ARTICLES

Take Care Of Your Health: PM Modi To Airman Who Fainted At Guard Of Honour

Take Care Of Your Health: PM Modi To Airman Who Fainted At Guard Of Honour
The summer heat took its toll on an IAF personnel who collapsed during the guard of honour ceremony organised at the Rashtrapati Bhavan for visiting Seychelles President Danny Faure.

Take Care Of Your Health: PM Modi To Airman Who Fainted At Guard Of Honour

My Love Story Is Like Veer-Zara, Says Man Wrongly Jailed For 14 Years

My Love Story Is Like Veer-Zara, Says Man Wrongly Jailed For 14 Years
In a life upended by allegations of terror and prolonged imprisonment before acquittal, it's his love story that helped him cut through layers of pain, says Mohammed Aamir Khan.

My Love Story Is Like Veer-Zara, Says Man Wrongly Jailed For 14 Years

How Secret Diary Of Indian-Origin Woman, Lover Turned To 'Poisonous' Plot In Australia

How Secret Diary Of Indian-Origin Woman, Lover Turned To 'Poisonous' Plot In Australia
Australian Supreme Court yesterday jailed Arun Kamalasanan, deemed the "architect" of the poison plot, for 27 years and Sofia Sam for 22 years.

How Secret Diary Of Indian-Origin Woman, Lover Turned To 'Poisonous' Plot In Australia

Takhts Ask Gurdwaras To Curb Speaker Sound Durin 'Ardas'

Takhts Ask Gurdwaras To Curb Speaker Sound Durin 'Ardas'
Setting a precedent, the Jathedars of all five Takhts have issued an edict asking all gurdwaras to turn loudspeakers off during “ardas” (religious prayer) and limit the sound within the premises. 

Takhts Ask Gurdwaras To Curb Speaker Sound Durin 'Ardas'

Indian-Origin Woman Sharon Rachael Gursharan Kaur Accused In Biggest US Navy Bribe Case In Singapore

Indian-Origin Woman Sharon Rachael Gursharan Kaur Accused In Biggest US Navy Bribe Case In Singapore
Sharon Rachael Gursharan Kaur, who was a lead contract specialist for the US Navy, was allegedly involved in the $35-million 'Fat Leonard' scandal

Indian-Origin Woman Sharon Rachael Gursharan Kaur Accused In Biggest US Navy Bribe Case In Singapore

Elderly Woman Run Over By Train In Punjab's Phagwara

Elderly Woman Run Over By Train In Punjab's Phagwara
  A 60-year-old woman died after she fell, and was run over by a train, while trying to board it again.

Elderly Woman Run Over By Train In Punjab's Phagwara