Punjab govt sanctions funds for historic Qila Mubarak

Bathinda, June 21 (UNI) The Punjab government will spend an amount of Rs 1.25 crore for the renovation and preservation of the historic Qila Mubarak that dates back to 8th century.

This annoucement was made here today by Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh, whose ancestors Baba Ala Singh, Maharaja Amar Singh and Maharaja Karam Singh ruled FROM this fort.

The tenth Sikh Guru, Gobind Singh also came here during the time of Baba Ram Singh, son of Baba Phul, the founder of the Patiala royal family.

Terming the fort as a national monument, Capt Singh pointed out it was intact till 1947 as per the records in his possession. He said that most parts of this historic fort were now in a dilapidated condition and was gradually crumbling.

He indicated that he would take up this issue with the Union Tourism, Culture, Archives and Archeology Minister Ambika Soni and urge her to sanction a special grant of Rs 1.25 crore to save this prestigious monument from further deterioration. The local officers of the Archeological Survey of India who were entrusted with the task for its renovation had informed the Chief Minister that Rs 2.50 crore was required for its upkeep.

Capt Singh assured that this fort would be renovated and paucity of funds would not hamper the progress of work. He said that even agencies like Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) and the Jaisalmer Fort Trust would be engaged for its preservation.

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