Aerial view of Delhi's historic Nizamuddin Basti.
AKTC
Aerial view of Delhi's historic Nizamuddin Basti.
AKTC
Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah, Nizamuddin Basti, New Delhi, India.
Ram Rahman
Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah, Nizamuddin Basti, New Delhi, India.
Ram Rahman
At Hazrat Nizamuddin Basti, the project combines conservation with a major socioeconomic development effort that is implemented through a community-centred, collaborative approach. The objective is to improve environmental conditions and strengthen essential urban services with interventions in core areas of education, health and sanitation. All programmes commenced following a quality of life assessment study.
AKTC
At Hazrat Nizamuddin Basti, the project combines conservation with a major socioeconomic development effort …
AKTC
World Environment Day in Nizamuddin Basti, Delhi, India.
AKTC
World Environment Day in Nizamuddin Basti, Delhi, India.
AKTC
This page is also available inIndia | Urban renewal in Delhi - Socioeconomic initiatives
The Hazrat Nizamuddin Basti Urban Renewal Initiative combines conservation with a major socio-economic development effort that is implemented through a community-centred, collaborative approach. Our objective is to improve environmental conditions and strengthen essential urban services with interventions in the core areas of education, health and sanitation. We began each programme with a quality of life assessment study.
11,500
The MCD Polyclinic’s new pathology laboratory has conducted 11,500 tests
Education
Initiatives in education include early childhood care and development programmes, which help children to develop holistically and facilitate their transition to school. The major effort towards primary education improvement has included a refurbishment of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) primary school, introducing arts education, greater parent interaction and improved school management. Senior students are offered significant learning support. Life skills education is offered to all project beneficiaries. Vocational training programmes for young people include a career development centre (NIIT Institute of Technology) and the teaching of the English language (British Council) as a skill needed for employment.
Health
The health interventions in the Basti include upgrading the MCD Polyclinic to ensure better diagnosis and treatment, reduce referrals and build the capacity of a community health outreach team for preventive health care. A pathology laboratory has been set up and over 11,500 tests have been conducted on 3,675 patients. The initiative has included additional specialist consultations in gynaecology, ENT and eye care.
Urban Improvements
A physical mapping/survey of the Basti led to street improvements implemented by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi. The parks along the western edge of the Basti have been upgraded and landscaped to fulfil the needs expressed by the resident community. These parks are earmarked for women, children, cricket, community functions and weddings. The newly built public toilets are a key intervention. They have improved access to hygienic sanitation for residents and are community managed.
Cultural Revival Initiative
The “living culture” of the area is a unique blend of secular and inter-faith elements that encompass performing arts, classical music, poetry and traditional crafts. Steps are being taken to revive and revitalise these components by making them viable in a contemporary milieu. Efforts are underway to build awareness of the value of the monuments through activities like theatre, craft workshops and heritage walks. Women tutored in the traditional craft of paper cutting now augment family incomes with sales of their products.
This is also where Amir Khusrau started Qawwali music traditions in the 13th century. His legacy is being highlighted through festivals, discussions, publications and recordings.