Hall of Nations demolished

New Delhi, April 24

The Hall of Nations and the Hall of Industries, two of Delhi's iconic modern architectural landmarks, celebrated globally, are now history.

According to INTACH, which has been fighting a losing legal battle for preservation of the buildings, work to tear down the buildings began late last night and by morning, the halls were reduced to rubble.

The halls, regarded as "modern architecture marvels", were built at Pragati Maidan here to celebrate 25 years of the country's independence.

"The Hall of Nations and the Hall of Industries have been demolished to make way for a state-of-the-art modern complex which would add immensely to the profile of the capital city.

"The buildings were not categorised as heritage by the Heritage Conservation of Committee as those are only 45 -years-old. So, we have demolished those for the new project. Demolition of the Nehru Pavilion is still going on," a senior TITPO official said.

"This is just shocking. It is not just a loss of architectural legacy but in a way the evolution of the history of the city as well. Next is what? Demolish the India International Centre or other modern-era icons? Is the span of its existence the only criteria for heritage? What about its architectural significance and the emotional bond people have had with it?" Urban planner A G K Menon asked. — PTI