NEW DELHI: The AAP government in Delhi today proposed to a build a first-of-its-kind skywalk from the Qutub Minar Metro Station to the iconic minaret in the financial year 2016-17.
"A skywalk way from Qutub Minar Metro Station to the Qutub Minar, a first-of-its-kind, is proposed to be developed in 2016-17. The walkway will go over the Mehrauli Archaeological Complex," Finance Minister Manish Sisodia said while presenting the annual budget.
Qutub Minar, a 12th century brick minaret, is one of the three World Heritage Sites in Delhi, besides Red Fort and Humayun's Tomb, and all three monuments receive massive footfall.
Besides the walkway, the Arvind Kejriwal government has also planned other measures to upgrade tourism infrastructure in the city.
"Delhi is India's capital and its cultural heart and yet the entry to this dynamic national capital territory isn't one that induces awe or a sense of grandeur. Delhi Tourism has received necessary permissions to revamp the borders and will conduct beautification at road entry points of the city like Ghazipur and Dhaula Kuan," Sisodia said.
"I propose Rs 10 crore for development of tourism infrastructure in 2016-17," he said.
The minister further said the Archaeology Department has "conserved 18 monuments in Delhi with plans for 143 more monuments" in the future.
On digitisation works of old documents, he said, "Delhi Archives has done a phenomenal work in digitisation and microfilming of archival records."
On art and cultural front, Sisodia said the Sahitya Kala Parishad conducted dozens of cultural festivals with internationally renowned artists.
"In the coming year, it will also conduct a massive talent hunt with the education department in schools to promote theatre, music, drama and dance among school children," he said.
The AAP government today proposed a plan outlay of Rs 54 crore for promotion of art, culture and language in Delhi in 2016-17.
"There are people of different cultures living in Delhi, and beside big-ticket auditoriums, we also want local celebrations to be held at mohallas, parks and community halls," he said.