Jallianwala on heritage list, Amritsar sees Jaitley’s ‘soft corner’ for holy city

Perneet Singh

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, February 28

Residents of Amritsar have hailed Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley’s move to include the historic Jallianwala Bagh in the heritage sites.

Talking to The Tribune, Dr Balvinder Singh, Conservation Spatial Planner, GNDU, said, “It is a positive step, but the government should ensure that the work carried out at the historic site is monitored by conservation professionals.”

He felt the memorial had already lost originality and its façade had also changed over the years. Besides, he said the signages inside the garden were not placed in a proper manner. “At present, it gives an impression of a recreational garden. It is a historic place and should be maintained accordingly,” he said.

Namita Jaspal, a heritage conservation expert, said, “It is an important heritage site to which all Punjabis and countrymen relate. It needs care and uplift. If the plan is executed in a planned way, it would perfectly depict the sacrifices and hardships the country had to go through before Independence.”

Deputy Commissioner Rajat Aggarwal said a beautification project was undertaken at Jallianwala Bagh four years ago, but it didn’t last long.

Meanwhile, city residents see the announcements as a sign that Jaitley still has a soft corner for the city despite his defeat in the Lok Sabha elections.

Gunbir Singh, CII Northern Council on Governance member, said, “Jaitley remembers Amritsar even after his defeat. It is evident from the announcements he has made for the city.”

Satnam Singh Ajnala, farmer leader, also hailed the announcement of a horticulture institute for the city, saying it would greatly benefit the horticulturists in the region.

On the other hand, the city’s hospitality industry lamented the increase in service tax.