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 all that was in the past. In his second stint as Urban Development Minister, Jagmohan has unleashed ambitious plans for the area, which will see the vast scrubland morphing into a second Lodhi Gardens for the Capital.

A conservation centre with audio and video facilities, an artists' gallery and a network of walkways amidst a vast expanse of greenery, are all on the cards.

Located side by side with the newly-developed "public golfcourse" 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 green islands in the concrete jungle that surrounds it, Jagmohan told The Indian Express 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," says Jagmohan.

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

The chequered history of Lal Kot dates back to the tenth 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 RajChauhan, extended the Lal Kot area by putting up 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 to 6 metres wide and 18 metres high at its apex, according to the ASI.

Already work has begun to demarcate the Qila Rai Pithora gardens and to instal an outer railing to enclose the area, keeping out stray cattle and encroachers. The overgrowth of 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 MP from New Delhi, speaks feelingly about preserving the city'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 forrecreation. There's also the need to stimulate thinking, give rise to ideas, provide the ambience to nurture the creative urge in people,'' he adds.