|
Amritsar garden to get Lahori look |
|
|
|
|
Written by Shaheen P Parshad, Chandigarh Newsline
|
|
Wednesday, 25 July 2007 |
COMPANY GARDENS TO BE REVAMPED ON LINES OF SHALIMAR GARDENS  Amritsar. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which has set its foot in the city for restoration of Baradari of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, plans to revamp the Maharaja’s heritage in the Company Gardens on the lines of Shalimar Gardens of Lahore.
The ASI officials have made it clear that three clubs functioning here would have to go if heritage is to be preserved. Besides, the ASI intends to conduct excavation in the area to dig out the artifacts related to the Maharaja.
However, the Punjab Government is yet to accord its nod to these projects, while the constructions taking place within the 100-metre periphery of the Company Gardens, which according the heritage conservation laws are illegal, too pose a challenge to the ASI, said sources.
They said the state government had handed over some of the historical buildings, like the Baradari, bathroom of Maharani Jindan, three watchtowers surrounding Company Gardens and an aquarium, to the ASI for maintenance.
The ASI plans to preserve the historic gardens on the lines of ones surrounding the Taj Mahal with the help of its horticulture wing, they said. They said metalled roads would be replaced with brick ones that existed during Maharaja’s time.
Sources said the garden would be open to morning and evening walkers, but strictly on the basis of passes.
ASI Deputy Architect V-C Sharma said the ASI had approached the court regarding the construction of two multiplexes coming up within the prohibited area of Company Gardens.
| Comments () >> |
 |
 |
