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PK JaiswarTribune News Service
Amritsar, September 10
The historic Ram Bagh has been declared a monument of national importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Any type of construction is banned inside or within the 100-metre periphery of the garden. But, the ongoing illegal construction of two multi-storey buildings just opposite the entrance of the garden on Mall Road has invited attention of many.
The district administration and the civic authorities have virtually turned a blind eye towards the structure.
The first ever shopping mall in the vicinity of the garden could never see light of the day after the ASI raised objections. A Dubai-based major construction group had tied up with a local company to build the mall at the prime location. The construction started after the Municipal Corporation gave it a go ahead. But, it was stopped in the middle after ASI raised objections.
Similarly, renovation work of Guru Nanak Stadium on Madan Mohan Malviya Road was stopped on similar grounds. But, it was later given special permission as the work was related to the public welfare.
According to Section 19 of the Ancient Monument and Remains Act (Amendment and violation Act 2010), no person, including the owner or occupier of a protected area, should construct any building within the periphery or carry on any mining, quarrying, excavating, blasting or any such operation at such place, or utilise any part thereof in any other manner without permission of the Centre.
“The norms state that the new construction is completely banned around the 100-metre periphery from the boundary wall of the heritage building while an old structure can be renovated only after special permission,” said sources in the ASI.
“Similarly, new construction can be carried out beyond 100 metre and inside 200-metre periphery only after permission from the ASI,” they added.
The historic garden was declared as a monument of national importance in October 2004. However, unabated construction of commercial building just opposite the entrance gate of the garden on Mall Road shows lack of interest of the authorities concerned and the state government in respect of protecting monuments of national importance. All norms have been thrown to winds while allowing the construction at these sites.
“For the Punjab government the word heritage is confined only to the Golden Temple and its adjoining areas when it comes to saving structures in the holy city. Huge funds received under the Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojna (HRIDAY) are being used for giving traditional look around the Darbar Sahib,” rued a heritage lover.
Bhanu Partap, conservator of the ASI here, could not be contacted even after repeated attempts.
When contacted, Deputy Commissioner Varoon Roojam said if the ASI raises any objection regarding the alleged illegal construction, appropriate action would be taken. He added that he would look into the matter.
Source: http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/amritsar/multistorey-construction-opposite-ram-bagh-raises-eyebrows/293610.html
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