Purana Qila bastion declared unsafe; ASI approves urgent restoration

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has declared a bastion at Delhi's 16th-century Purana Qila as “critical and unsafe” after the development of deep structural cracks. The affected structure, known as North-West Bastion No. 3, overlooks the fort's artificial lake and has shown progressive deterioration, particularly during the monsoon season.

According to the ASI, long cracks have become visible along the stone walls and floor of the bastion. Fresh debris has been observed both inside and outside the structure, indicating continuous structural weakening. The agency has taken precautionary measures, including covering the bastion with tarpaulin to prevent rainwater seepage. Temporary scaffolding has been erected, and access to the affected portion is now restricted.

All approaches leading to the damaged bastion have been barricaded as a safety measure. The Sabhyata Foundation, the NGO entrusted with the management of Purana Qila, has been instructed to ensure that visitors do not enter the restricted area and that all safety protocols remain in place.

The ASI said that the emergency conservation and restoration of the bastion was approved by the competent authority on August 3. The tender process and other formalities are currently underway before restoration work begins. The agency stated that the situation is being closely monitored and all necessary precautionary measures have been taken to safeguard both the monument and the visiting public.

The bastion has been under scrutiny since a portion of its masonry collapsed in August last year. Since then, cracks have continued to widen across walls and flooring, raising concerns about the structural integrity of the fortification. The ASI has engaged geologists, structural engineers, and other experts to assess the causes behind the recurring structural distress. Their findings will help determine appropriate scientific conservation measures before restoration is undertaken.

Purana Qila, one of Delhi's oldest surviving forts, was built by the Mughal emperor Humayun and later strengthened by Sher Shah Suri during the 16th century. Spread over nearly 1.5 kilometres, the monument houses important structures such as the Qila-i-Kuhna Mosque and the Sher Mandal. It remains one of Delhi's most visited protected monuments, making the preservation of its historic bastions a conservation priority.

The ASI has confirmed that the entire exposed surface of the damaged bastion has been covered with tarpaulin to minimise further water damage during the ongoing monsoon. The agency emphasised that public safety is paramount and that restoration work will commence after all formalities are completed.