Won’t let Jallianwala Bagh stay in bad shape: Union minister

Union government has decided to provide a facelift to the Jallianwala Bagh with modern techniques, besides improving basic amenities for tourists here, this was disclosed by Mahesh Sharma, minister of state (independent charge), culture and tourism, visited the place on Monday.

After noticing the bad condition of the garden, Sharma said digital and virtual museum will be introduced to disseminate the golden history of the garden.

“The condition of interpretation centre and historical well will also be improved, besides basic facilities such as washrooms and drinking water,” he said.

The Union minister said as of now, the garden is locked after sunset, but they would make arrangements to keep it open till night for visitors. He said the trust which is looking after this garden has been asked to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) with suggestions of locals and tourists.

Sharma further said, “The Jallianwala Bagh massacre has a significant place in the history of Indian freedom struggle and we would not let it stay in a bad condition,” adding, “The work of preparing a master plan for the facelift will start within 15 days and beatification will finish till April 13, 2019, which is being observed as the 100th anniversary of the episode of the freedom struggle.”

While visiting the garden, he found the infrastructure in poor condition and held representatives of the Trust accountable for the same.

Rajya Sabha MP Shwait Malik and mayor Bakhshi Ram Arora also accompanied the Sharma besides BJP district president Rajesh Honey, Rajesh Kandhari and Rahul Maheshwari. Malik said that he has proposed a 4D light and sound show, documentary and printed content to highlight the history of the place.

Notably, Malik raised the issue in the last Lok Sabha session on March 21 and also met finance minister Arun Jaitley and Sharma to resolve it.