The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has been in the limelight recently for all the wrong reasons. The situation is different, however, this time around. The idea of corporate participation in the conservation of historical monuments in India has been around for long. There was some activity in this area as well, as companies were allowed to contribute funds for the restoration and conservation of monuments.

In a refreshing break from past policies, the ASI and Steel Authority of India have come together for the restoration of monuments within Lodhi Gardens in Delhi. The agreement follows in the footsteps of the restoration of Humayun’s Tomb, which was undertaken by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture and ASI, resulting in a noteworthy change in the environs of the place.

Lodhi Gardens, located on Lodhi Road between Khan Market and Safdarjung’s Tomb, provides you an opportunity to escape the bustle of Delhi right in the heart of the city itself. It is an oasis of peace amidst the din of cacophonic horns and busy traffic. The place originally used to be a village that surrounded the Sayyid and Lodhi dynasties’ monuments. Later, the village was relocated and the area was converted into a garden.

Lodhi Gardens attracts a steady stream of tourists from all over the world, apart from the joggers in search of fresh air in the morning and couples looking for solitude in the afternoon. The place is a real treat for the photographers, whether professional or amateur as well, as they can spend their entire day capturing the birds, the flora and, of course, the monuments. The tomb of Mohammed Shah can be seen from the road itself, and is the oldest construction in the garden.

Now that the corporate sector is allowed to directly hire quality personnel to undertake restoration work, the policy change is expected to bring in a more professional approach to the delicate and difficult task of conserving and restoring monuments of historical importance.