Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday inaugurated the redeveloped 'Shaheedi Park' in the national capital, which showcases sculptures of various freedom fighters made of scrap, news agency PTI reported. The inaugural event was held to the sounds of patriotic songs such as "Mera Rang de Basanti Chola." The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) created the renovated park, which will be accessible to the public on August 9 on X, formerly known as Twitter.
The MCD has claimed that this is "India's first outdoor museum park". "Narrating the saga of the fighters who died in the wars of India's independence and the wars that followed, the Corporation's Shaheedi Park creates a mesmerising sight with its artefacts and colourful lights. Let us be here to witness the sacrifices made by the builders of golden India," the MCD posted on X on Tuesday.
Speaking at the event, CM Kejriwal stated: "We aim to make Delhi neat, clean and beautiful and both the municipal corporation and people of Delhi have a role to play in this task."
The park would be spread across 4.5 acres and will serve as an iconic recreational place recounting India's magnificent past through reliefs, figures, and sculptures symbolising significant time periods in India's history, as well as distinct cultures and heroes, they added.
The park, which opened roughly 20 years ago, features a wide range of attractions that highlight India's rich historical and cultural legacy.
It has stunning themes and art installations commemorating significant events, renowned persons, and historical periods that created our country, according to a civic official. It was created in the ITO region as part of the MCD's 'waste-to-art' project.
Scrap has been used to create sculptures such as old trucks, automobiles, electric poles, pipes, angle iron, and rickshaws. These installations in 'Shaheedi Park' portray India's magnificent heritage.
"A unique feature of this park is its grand plan, which includes elements of unity, diversity and struggle of our nation. The greenery, ornate gardens and safe passageway structure provide a peaceful and meditative environment to the visitors, besides this, the park also serves as an educational hub, imparting valuable knowledge in our nation's journey to freedom and progress," the statement issued by the MCD on Monday was quoted by PTI in its report.
Ten artists and 700 craftspeople collaborated to produce the sculptural piece in six months. According to the MCD, over 250 tonnes of scrap have been used to create sculptures.
Nearly 56,000 trees and plants, including Champa, Kachnar, ficus, and Syngonium, have been planted to improve the park's attractiveness. According to the report, the park cost almost Rs 15 crore to build.
It includes provisions for a souvenir store and a snack kiosk to provide guests with additional leisure opportunities. According to the MCD, nine sets and three galleries have been created, with 93 2-D sculptures and 20 3-D sculptures.