The Archaeological Survey of India is carrying out a large restoration and conservation program across Delhi, with work planned at 140 of the city’s 170 protected monuments. The list includes 20 sites slated for major restoration, such as the Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb, and Qutub Minar, plus 120 additional heritage structures marked for repair and conservation.
ASI officials said the focus goes beyond surface appearance. The goal is to preserve historic character, address damage tied to weather and pollution, and slow future deterioration using scientific conservation methods.
At the UNESCO World Heritage Site Red Fort, built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan between 1638 and 1648, restoration work on the Northern Cell is in its final stretch and is scheduled to wrap up before Independence Day. The structure had turned white after later repairs, and conservation teams are working to restore the original Mughal-era look by bringing back the red sandstone facade. Recent conservation work at the Northern Cell has included stabilizing aging walls, repairing damaged masonry, restoring lime plaster, and improving drainage.
ASI also restored the water tank around Zafar Mahal, a red sandstone water pavilion built in 1842 by the last Mughal emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar. That project included restoring the historic water body, reviving fountains, and adding illumination.
Another high-profile effort is underway at Safdarjung Tomb, where ASI and the World Monuments Fund are completing structural repairs, restoring damaged architectural features, improving landscaping, and reviving the historic water system. The project budget is Rs 5 crore, with completion scheduled by the end of July.
For mason contractors, the project list reads like a checklist of what keeps masonry landmarks standing for centuries: masonry stabilization, compatible plaster repairs, and drainage and water management that protect walls over time. The same fundamentals show up on modern work when owners expect masonry to last.
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