THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR, DELHI
Lieutenant Governor Shri V.K. Saxena today visited the 187-year-old heritage St James’ Church at Kashmere Gate and took stock of the restoration and renovation work being undertaken by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA). The restoration of the Church began nearly 6 months ago and the same is scheduled for completion by June 30. LG, accompanies by Vice Chairman, DDA, and other senior officials, also visited the Election Museum at Chief Electoral Office, Delhi.
Shri Saxena, while inspecting the renovation work of the Church, instructed the officials to strictly ensure that the originality of the heritage structure is retained. St. James’ Church (also known as Skinner's Church), is known to be the official church of the British Viceroy of India in Delhi. LG stressed that the Church building and its vicinity should be developed in such a way that it becomes a prominent landmark in the city. DDA officials informed Shri Saxena that the renovation work would be completed by June 30 and the building would be handed over to the Church management that would further rededicate the Church on 23 July, 2023.
St James’ Church is one of the oldest churches in the city and is part of the Church of North India Diocese of Delhi. Restoration of the Church assumes great significance as this area has close proximity with several historical monuments in the Old Delhi and are frequented by thousands of visitors every day.
It may be noted that preservation of the heritage has been a focus area of LG, Shri Saxena, who, ever since taking over in May last year, has personally initiated and monitored the restoration of heritage structures like Gole Market, Anang Tal Baoli, Nizamuddin Basti and Mehrauli Archaeological Park among others.
Shri Saxena also visited the Election Museum which is located inside the office of the Chief Electoral Officer, Delhi, in Old St. Stephen’s College Buildin at Kashmere Gate. He appreciated the efforts in establishing the museum which depicts the remarkable journey of Indian elections which has influenced the countries world over to preserve and cherish the values of electoral management. LG exhorted the officials to make efforts to encourage and facilitate students from schools and colleges to visit the museum that could be a great learning experience for them.
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