NEW DELHI: The work on Bharat Darshan project is in full swing as South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) targets to open the site for public in the first week of April.

Bharat Darshan, a mega park in the city spread over six acres, will have replicas of various monuments built from scrap material. The eco-friendly project is self-sustainable and estimated to cost around Rs 12-14 crore.

With the theme “Unity in Diversity”, the park will display 17 iconic monuments from 14 states, including Charminar, Gateway of India, Konark Temple, Nalanda ruins, Mysore Palace, Golden Temple, Meenakshi Temple, Hawa Mahal, Hampi ruins, Victoria Memorial, Sanchi Stupa, Gol Gumbaz, Ajanta Ellora Caves and Junagarh Fort. “We had plans to add 18 more replicas from the remaining states, but due to issues in getting permissions and funds, the project was withdrawn,” said an SDMC official.

Currently, 80% work has been completed on replicas, except for Charminar and Swarn Mandir, which will take another 40 days. “Due to some changes in their look, we need to rework them. We are targeting March 31 to complete all the remaining work and open up from April first week,” said the official, adding that the delay in the project was due to the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown, following which many workers left for their hometown.

To give an aesthetic look to the place, SDMC has decided to illuminate all the monument replicas with colourful smart lights and add other features, including a walking track of 1.5km, children play area, amphitheatres for cultural events and a food court offering major Indian cuisines. “Tenders have been received for greenery, lighting and other beautification project, the work on which is expected to start soon,” the official added.