The remnants of a broken wall, rising to a gentle mound are all that remains of the Qila. Identified as part of the ancient city of Lal Kot, the ruins have been overrun by bushes and scrub, disappearing from view altogether in some stretches.

"A vast defecation ground" was how Union Urban Development Minister Jagmohan described the nearly 20 acres of land that surround the Qila Rai Pithora ruins.

But that will soon be a thing of the past. In his second stint, Urban Development Minister Jagmohan has plans to see the vast scrubland morphing into a second Lodhi Gardens for the Capital. Complete with a conservation centre having audio-video facilities, an art gallery and a web of walkways set in an expanse of greenery.

Located next to the newly-developed public golf course in Lado Sarai, the Qila Rai Pithora complex will form a much-needed green pocket for residents of such densely-populated colonies as Saket, Geetanjali and Haus Rani.

Emphasising the need for creating green islands in the concrete jungle that surrounds it, Jagmohan told Express Newsline that the restored gardens would serve as another "lung" for Delhi residents caught in the urban sprawl.

"Children in the Capital are growing up without access to gardens or plants. Here they will be able to spend time drawing or painting, imbibing the wonders of nature,'' he said.

The development plans include an art gallery with large plate glass windows where artists, especially children, can give vent to their artistic urge without being disturbed by dust or flies.

The chequered history of Lal Kot dates back to the 10th century when the Tomar Rajputs dominated large parts of South Delhi. Subsequently the city came under the control of the Chauhans. The best known of the Chauhans, Prithvi Raj Chauhan, extended the Lal Kot area by constructing a massive wall around it in the 12th century. This enlarged city of Lal Kot is known as Qila Rai Pithora.

The Archaeological Survey of India, which carried out the initial excavation work has unearthed parts of the wall. It is 5-6 m wide and at place 18 m high, according to the ASI.

"But now that there are plans to develop the area around, we will begin extra conservation efforts like painting and cleaning of the wall," said S.B. Mathur, Additional Director General, ASI.

Demarcation of the Qila Rai Pithora gardens has already begun and so has the installation of a boundary railing to keeping out stray cattle and encroachers. The nettles and thorny bushes are being cleared and the walkways laid out in consultation with the ASI.

Jagmohan, who also has the dual responsibility of being the Member of Parliament from New Delhi, speaks feelingly about preserving the Capital's heritage, while making it relevant to present-day needs of the people, of weaving the historical heritage into the urban fabric. "Living in the metropolis, the benefits from open areas like these are incalculable. It not just a question of meeting physical needs for recreation. There's also the need to stimulate thinking, ideas, provide the ambience to nurture the creative urge in people."