In an ironic development, the Punjab Archaelogical and Cultural Affairs Department is using funds at its disposal on works which should otherwise be the domain of the Public Works Department. The department is presently engaged in laying a concrete floor in the open space between the entrance to the Quila Mubarak complex, the historic fort established by the Patiala royal dynasty, and the entry into the Quila Androon, which houses the erstwhile residential quarters. However, conservation work, which is the job of the department, is not being done by it with cracks in the Quila Androon and steady deterioration of other buildings in the complex not meriting its interest.

The department is presently engaged in laying a concrete floor on half of the open space in between the inner and outer gates of Quila Mubarak. This area was earlier covered by a tar coating.

The work, however, has invited criticism from various quarters as it is not a conservation exercise. Around Rs 3 lakh is being spent on the concrete flooring, according to officials.

One does not have to go far to see where conservation work needs to be done. The inside part of the massive gate of Quila Androon has developed huge cracks which are increasing with time and could endanger the gate itself, which houses the 'gaddi' of Baba Ala Singh, the founder of the Patiala dynasty. A little further away, cracks have developed above the painted jharokas in the main structure. The jharokas themselves are a unique blend of Mughal and Rajasthani architecture. Though the entire structure was painted at one time, the paint is visible only on part of it now with the jharokas and its surrounding wall still retaining the painted motifs of flowers and other designs. If nothing is done to arrest the cracks, extensive repair later would ruin the painted motifs, besides endangering the jharokas.

This is not all. On the upper floors, another structure which needs urgent attention before the onset of the monsoon season is the only European 'mahal' built for Florence, the English wife of Maharaja Rajinder Singh. The roof of the structure's verandah has already caved in and its columns are also in danger of falling apart. Besides this, its roof needs strengthening at places.