While the state government is spending crores to commemorate the bi-centenary celebrations of Maharaja Ranjit Singh's coronation, the Phillaur Fort, the only fort constructed by the great Sikh ruler in Punjab on the banks of Sutlej river is awaiting funds for conservation.

While three years ago some funds were provided by the state government with which the right side of the fort was renovated, but not a single penny has been provided for the conservation of the fort since then. It is ironic that on one side the state government is organising massive functions to commemorate the life and times of the king better known as the Lion of Punjab, and on the other, his only existing relic was being given a shabby treatment.

The fort in which Maharaja Ranjit Singh Police Training Academy is housed is being maintained on a petty budget by the academy officials. However, in the absence of the financial grant, the fort, especially its left side is crumbling. For security reasons it was not possible to get the dilapidated portion of the fort photographed.

Any visitor can, however, easily see the pitiable state of the fort. Even the massive Delhi and Lahore Forts have developed cracks. Though the academy officials have tried to fill the cracks and white wash them but it has failed to camouflage the decay. The crumbled state of the fort becomes a major embarrassment for the authorities when the visiting delegates ask them who was responsible for the bad condition of the fort.

Sources said the academy had written to the state government and the conservation department several times for providing grant or arranging for conservation experts for the fort but the funds had not been provided. A major portion of the fort which was used as hostel for the trainees has already crumbled.