IN DISREPAIR

The building is in dire need of repair. The concrete staircase is slowly cracking open. Even the adjacent building, acquired in 2011 as it carried the bullet marks, is beginning to crumble. “God forbid there is even minor quake, the entire structure will come crashing down,” says a local. A few years ago, an expert committee estimated that the repairs will take around ₹22 lakh. The sum was sanctioned by former prime minister Manmohan Singh, but it is yet to reach the trust. Namita Jaspal, a heritage conservator who has been visiting the bagh frequently, says it needs a lot of work. “The buildings are made of Nankshahi bricks, they must be strengthened without disturbing their original character. The gallery too needs an upgrade, it’s important to showcase original documents and photos in a way that they don’t disintegrate.”

In the past, the trust enjoyed direct access to the prime minister, but now all requests are routed through the ministry of culture.

The trust is running its salary account on the rent from a Punjab National Bank office, a part of the property, but there are little funds for maintenance, leave alone conservation. The light-and-sound show, for instance, is lying unused for want of repair. Outside the bagh, former Hall Bazaar councillor Sunil Sharma Konti, claims the memorial is facing neglect because of the perception that it is associated with the Congress. Well wishers feel a nominal entry fees of even ₹1 can make the bagh selfsustainable as it receives around 50,000 visitors a day. This proposal was strongly supported by BJP doyen LK Advani, but nothing came out of it.