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

Casting Couch Is Everywhere, Parliament Is Not Immune, Says Renuka Chowdhary

Casting Couch Is Everywhere, Parliament Is Not Immune, Says Renuka Chowdhary
Senior Congress leader Renuka Chowdhary on Tuesday raised many eyebrows by saying that "not just film industry and other work spaces, even Parliament is not immune to the casting couch".

Casting Couch Is Everywhere, Parliament Is Not Immune, Says Renuka Chowdhary

Pak Extends Visa Of Indian Woman Who Married, Embraced Islam During Her Visit

Pak Extends Visa Of Indian Woman Who Married, Embraced Islam During Her Visit
Kiran Bala, who after converting to Islam has taken the name Amna Bibi, had applied for a Pakistani citizenship and extension to her visa.

Pak Extends Visa Of Indian Woman Who Married, Embraced Islam During Her Visit

Wanted To See Facebook Friend, Says Amritsar Man Amarjit Singh Who Went Missing In Pakistan

Wanted To See Facebook Friend, Says Amritsar Man Amarjit Singh Who Went Missing In Pakistan
An Indian Sikh pilgrim, who was reported to have gone missing in Pakistan during Baisakhi festival celebrations, was found staying in his Facebook friend's house in Sheikhupura city, the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) has said.

Wanted To See Facebook Friend, Says Amritsar Man Amarjit Singh Who Went Missing In Pakistan

Surat: Woman Jumps To Death After Throwing 3-Year-Old Son From Building

Chanchal was suspected to have first hurled the boy from the balcony of their 12th floor flat.

Surat: Woman Jumps To Death After Throwing 3-Year-Old Son From Building

10-Year-Old Girl Allegedly Raped By Juvenile In Madrassa In Ghaziabad

10-Year-Old Girl Allegedly Raped By Juvenile In Madrassa In Ghaziabad
The incident triggered protests in the area with locals demanding that the madrassa cleric be arrested for his alleged involvement in the matter. Police said that he was being questioned.

10-Year-Old Girl Allegedly Raped By Juvenile In Madrassa In Ghaziabad

I Forgive Jessica's Killer, Won’t Object To His Release: Sister Sabrina Lal To Tihar

I Forgive Jessica's Killer, Won’t Object To His Release: Sister Sabrina Lal To Tihar
Sabrina Lall had written a letter to prison Welfare Officer that her family wants to lead a normal life and has no objection if Manu Sharma, sentenced to undergo life imprisonment for murder, is released from the Tihar Central Jail here.

I Forgive Jessica's Killer, Won’t Object To His Release: Sister Sabrina Lal To Tihar