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Sunder Nursery: Introduction

Sunder Nursery, formerly known as Azim Bagh, sits north of the 16th c. World Heritage Site of Humayun’s Tomb and an even older settlement of Nizamuddin Basti. Historically lying on the Grand Trunk Road and founded by the British in 1929 for growing plants for Lutyen’s ambitious New Delhi scheme, Sunder Nursery is maintained by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD). While parts of the nursery are still used for propagation and sale of plants, several portions of the site have, over the years, remained underutilized lying in dereliction.

The 70-acre Sunder Nursery falls within the buffer zone of Humayun’s Tomb World Heritage Site, within a significant archaeological zone with Humayun’s citadel, Purana Qila to the north. This venerable site is home to nine Mughal period structures and the grand Mughal Azimganj Serai abutting it on the north, all in need of urgent conservation works. Now, as part of the ongoing project to restore the historical significance of Humayun’s Tomb and Nizamuddin area, the monuments in the Sunder Nursery precinct are undergoing careful conservation work with master craftsmen.

Sunder Nursery was itself established in 1913 by the British as a nursery for tree and plant species (native and imported) required for the new capital. Taken over by the CPWD in 1945, it currently houses the largest collection of tree species (150) found in Delhi and is an important bird habitat. An additional 100 native tree species are now being re-introduced here as part of the project.

As part of the public-private initiative, Sunder Nursery is being developed as an urban park cum nursery to showcase and protect its ecological (flora & fauna) and historical heritage under a multi- pronged rehabilitation and conservation programme. As part of the project, the planned micro-habitat zone/arboretum will simulate a microcosm of Delhi’s fast disappearing biodiversity, including kohi (hill), khadar (riverine), bangar (alluvial) and dabar (marshy) zones.

On completion, the three project zones of Humayun’s Tomb, Nizamuddin Basti will be interconnected by nature trails and heritage walks. The enhanced nursery functions within the new urban park will feature mist chambers, a tissue culture lab, glasshouses, nursery beds, a specialised training centre and dedicated spaces for flower shows and exhibitions.

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Sunder Nursery, formerly known as Azim Bagh, sits north of the Humayun’s Tomb and Nizamuddin Basti

Sunder Nursery: Project Objectives

Urban Context
Sunder Nursery is located in the heart of the national capital, barely 2 km away from the ceremonial central axis of New Delhi. Rapid urbanization has so far spared over 27-hectares of green area in the Sundar Nursery. As a part of the ongoing project, a significant green buffer zone will be created for the Humayun’s Tomb World Heritage Site; endow the people of Delhi with an ecological park showcasing the rich biodiversity of their city; Heritage Assets appropriately showcased through conservation and a significant green space created and made accessible to the city.

Proposed Works
The planned development of Sunder Nursery together with proper management of facilities should lead to the area included within the extended World Heritage Site. It will provide continuity of forest cover over a vast area, encourage bird habitat and enhance the spatial quality of the area thereby attracting more visitors to the restored monuments and surrounding gardens.

The Interpretation Centre on ecology and heritage will showcase the splendours of Sunder Nursery trees, plants, birds and monuments through educational programmes. The proposed amphitheatre/exhibition area will provide dedicated space for cultural activities. The complete Sunder Nursery experience aims to be educative, informative and enjoyable and will help connect residents and visitors to their natural and cultural heritage.

Finally, the development of the park for visitors has the potential to create diverse employment opportunities for the residents of Nizamuddin Basti. Programmes are already being conducted to train the youth of the basti as guides in collaboration with various partner agencies.