Quila Mubarak, a 250-year-old residential fort and pride of the Phulkian dynasty, is crumbling even as mortar and other material needed for its restoration is lying unsued in various stores in the complex itself.

Furthermore, even as the magnificent facade of the front gate itself is threatened, besides the 'dhuni' of the dynasty which has been burning since more than 200 years and other structures in the inner complex, the Culture and Archives Department is undertaking a cosmetic exercise to beautify the front courtyard and entrance area in anticipation of a VIP visitor, who is likely to preside over a function proposed to be held before the throne room and other painted chambers are thrown open to the public.

The extent to which the Quila is threatened by the coming monsoon and the damage which is going unattended can be seen upon entering the Quila Androon complex. A massive crack, more than 20-feet-long, has appeared in the upper right corner at the back of the main gate edifice. The crack, if allowed to develop further, will threaten a major portion of the main gate itself. This crack, however, seems to have escaped the attention of those working in the courtyard below where walls are being smoothened and beautified.

Climbing two floors one sees other cracks. The most noticeable is the one which is threatening what is left of the beautiful facade of the Florence Mahal. This palace, which was built by Maharaja Rajinder Singh for the daughter of his stable incharge, is unique because of its beautiful Gothic arches and European architecture. It was the only building with running water and fire places, besides large stain glass windows. The floor in one of the rooms has collapsed partly and is threatening the room below. Besides this the roof is leaking. Strangely the leak is occurring not in the old roof but parts which have been constructed afresh .