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Parvesh Sharma
Tribune News Service
Sangrur, January 21
With the sanctioning of Rs 7 crore for the beautification of the local Banasar garden and renovation of heritage sites, including Diwan Khana museum, Sangrur Kothi and Baradari, locals are hopeful to see these sites functional in near future after a long time.
Presently, the museum and Baradari are lying locked while fountains are non-functional.
As per official documents accesses by The Tribune, for the renovation and preservation of Sangrur Kothi, the Punjab Tourism and Cultural Affairs Department has sanctioned Rs 3.90 crore. After renovation, the department has plans to use the Kothi as an art and craft centre.
For the preservation of the Diwan Khana museum, the department has approved Rs 3 crore. The renovation of the museum was started in 2016, but due to lack of funds, it was stopped. But now the remaining renovation work will be completed at the earliest.
Rs 10 lakh will be used to carry out the restoration work of Baradari, all existing fountains, footpaths and ornamental lighting poles.
“The work got delayed due to lack of funds. But now our department has arranged required funds and we are trying to complete the work at the earliest,” said Malwinder Singh Jaggi, Director, Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Punjab.
Deputy Commissioner Ghanshyam Thori said through NGO Pehal, the Sangrur administration was trying its level best for the cleaning of heritage sites in the city.
Sangrur Baradari, a 19th century protected monument, has been awaiting renovation for the past several years and lying locked. Inspired by Lahore Baradari, which Maharaja Ranjit Singh had got constructed, Sangrur Baradari was built by the then Jind state’s ruler Sangat Singh.
Many precious artefacts related to the king of Jind state have been eating dust in a locked room of the local closed museum.
Local MLA and PWD Minister Vijay Inder Singla said he had repeatedly been taking up the matter of preservation of heritage sites.
“Punjab Cultural Affairs Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu has ordered the release of all Rs 7 crore for the beautification of Bansar garden and heritage sites. Residents will be able to visit these sites in near future,” said Singla.