The iconic Hall of Nations complex at Pragati Maidan, a permanent exhibition venue and a 20th century heritage site in the Capital, was demolished late on Sunday night. The structure was built in 1972.
Ever since the demolition plan was made public, architectural associations and museums from across the world had been writing to the government, urging that the buildings be preserved because of their architectural importance.
The International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) India Director, Rohit Jigyasu, in an email to its members, said: "The demolition happened last night, ironically a few hours after ICOMOS India-NSC20C in collaboration with INTACH Delhi Chapter had painstakingly prepared a Heritage Alert to halt the demolition of this priceless heritage. Sadly, now it will only get confined to the books of history of architecture."
"I was very sad to see the pictures of the demolished building. The Hall of Nations was a important part of our architectural heritage. Designed to commemorate and celebrate the 25th year of Indian independence, it was a symbol of a young nation's pride in its ability to keep pace with the modern world. Its significance as a heritage building lies in these factors, and not in its age," says Swapna Liddle, Convenor, INTACH Delhi Chapter
Designed by celebrated Indian modernist Raj Rewal and engineered by Mahendra Raj, the two structures — Hall of Nations and Hall of Industries —were connected and numerous exhibitions were held there.
The Indian Trade Promotion Council (ITPC), an agency of the Government of India's Ministry of Commerce and Industry, owned the building and now plans to revamp the entire area and convert it into a modern-style convention centre, including underground parking.
Last week, HC rejected Rewal's plea against the demolition. Buildings older than 70 years are considered heritage so this doesn't adhere to Heritage Conservation Committee's guidelines, Justice Sachdeva had said.
