A prototype of the jhumka to be installed

BAREILLY: As the super hit Hindi song ‘ Jhumka Gira Re ’ from Sunil Dutt and Sadhana-starrer cinema ‘Mera Saaya’ made Bareilly popular for ‘jhumkas’ (danglers), the Bareilly Development Authority (BDA) has sought the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) approval to install a jhumka at Parsakhera zero point.

Conceived long ago, the BDA’s ambitious project had hit a roadblock for the want of fund and in search of a suitable location. But, the project has now gained momentum, and a jhumka is likely to be installed near Parsakhera — at the entrance to the city on the Delhi-Bareilly road.

According to BDA officials, they have been waiting for the NHAI approval and soon as it comes, the installation work will be taken up.

Earlier, the BDA had planned to install a jhumka at Delapir tri-section in the city, but the location was found to be unsuitable and congested, and hence, the project was put on a hold, while the search for a new location continued. Later, Bara Bypass was considered, but the project failed to materialise due to fund crunch. However, at a recent meeting, BDA officials finalised Parsakhera zero point for the project.

Confirming the development, BDA secretary AK Singh told TOI, “The ambitious jhumka project was in the limbo for a long. However, the project has now been worked upon and a new location near Parsakhera, at the entrance of the city, is being considered for installing a jhumka. We have sought the NHAI approval. We hope to get it soon, and as soon as it happens, the work will commence.”

Singh added, “The project has been long-standing as BDA was facing the problem of finding a suitable location for it, and later, the fund crunch too hit the development. Although we have selected Parsakhera zero point for the project, there could be some changes in the previous design and the area depending on the area available. We may constrict or expand the project.”

According to BDA sources, the proposed jhumka will be 2.43 metres in diameter and 12-14 feet in height. The landscaping around the jhumka is estimated to cost around Rs 18 lakh. Apart from the 12-14 feet jhumka, which will be installed at the centre as the main structure, there will be three surma (kohl) bottles (inspired from the word ‘soorme daani’ used in the song) surrounding the jhumka. Soorm bottles will be kept in parapet walls, which will also have colourful lights installed there. Besides, colourful stones and zari work will be used for decoration, as the city is famous for its zari work as well. The entire structure will be surrounded by a rotary in such a manner that it will give the entire edifice and its surrounding area a landscape view.

The silver-golden colour jhumka will be made up of multi-coloured stones embedded with minakari (minakari is the art of colouring and ornamenting the surface of metals by fusing over it brilliant colours that are decorated in an intricate design) design, which will be materialised using fibre-reinforced polymer (a weather proof material known for its moulding and altering properties, which when combined with various agents, enhances the material).

According to officials, the project will not only attract tourists, but also promote traditional craft of the city.

