Causing harm to heritage building a serious offence, says Manish Sisodia

A heritage structure in south Delhi’s Humayunpur village that has allegedly been used as a temple by locals for many years was recently painted white and orange, prompting the Delhi government on Friday to order a probe.

The tomb, or gumti, was painted in March, the locals said, adding that a temple had been operating at the site for years.

Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who is also the Arts, Culture and Language (ACL) Minister, directed the ACL Department secretary to present a detailed report to him on Saturday.

‘Zero tolerance’

“Causing damage and harm to a heritage property is against the law and a serious offence... The incident should be handled with zero tolerance by the department as it not only violates heritage-related laws but is also an attempt to disturb peace and harmony in the area,” Mr. Sisodia wrote in a note to the ACL secretary, referring to the State Archaeology Department that works under the ACL Department.

While the paint looked fresh, the structure itself bore an inscription that said “Bhola Shiv Mandir, Bhola Religious Trust (reg’.), June 15, 1971”.

‘Temple since 1937’

Humayunpur resident Prem Raj Phogat said the locals had been using the premises as a temple since 1937, with a small “shivling” placed inside the building.

“We would hold prayers during Shivratri. Around three years ago, we started having prayers in the morning and the evening. We would all collect money to have the temple painted every few years. In March, the younger generation of the village got together and decided to paint it orange,” said Mr. Phogat.

Also in March, idols of Radha and Krishna were added to the temple, he said.

Another resident, Rakesh Gursey, confirmed that the temple had been operating at the site since the 1930s. “I have lived here my entire life and I am 53 years old now. Why are people making this into a political or communal issue after so many years?” asked Mr. Gursey.

‘Site needs protection’

Conservationists, however, said that the site was in need of protection.

Swapna Liddle, convenor of INTACH’s Delhi chapter, said that the tomb (gumti) at Humayunpur village was listed as a heritage structure in the Delhi building by-laws notification, 2011. She said she was shocked to learn that it had been painted and was being used as a temple.

“INTACH has no authority to take any action as we are an advisory body. What we can do, and have done, is to sensitise the government to take action. We have been in touch with the Department of Archaeology under the Delhi government to ensure that no damage is done to the heritage structure,” she said.