How Delhi's heritage was destroyed to create new marvels

Razing of Hall of Nations at Pragati Maidan likened to Bamiyan Buddha demolition in Afghanistan

When you think of Pragati Maidan, what pops up is an image of the Hall of Nations. But the iconic building that had stood there for 40 years was consigned to history last month, along with several other structures. What led to the demolition was the unsuitability of many of these buildings for air-conditioning. Besides, India Trade Promotion Organisation, or ITPO, the owner of Pragati Maidan,  says some of them were in a bad shape. 

While reasons abound, the architect of the Hall of Nations, Raj Rewal, says the demolition is akin to the “destruction of Bamiyan Buddha in Afghanistan”,