Rs 2 crore facelift for Yadavindra Gardens
Tribune News Service

PINJORE, Sept 17 — In order to recapture the essence of Mughal architecture, the Haryana Tourism Department has launched an ambitious project of over Rs 2 crore for a massive overhaul of Yadavindra Gardens at Pinjore. The renovation is almost half-way through.

The seven channels on the terraces are being recarpeted with blue and allena blue tiles used in combination to create the effect of flowing water. Though the channels were in the two shades of blue originally, somewhere down the line, amidst repeated renovations, the 'dholpur' stone, cream in colour, came to replace it. This is being done at a cost of Rs 29 lakh while an additional Rs 16 lakh has been sanctioned for the installation of the latest fountains and coloured lights.

The renovation of the Jal Mahal and the entrance has been completed. The contours and profile of the heritage had deteriorated on account of repeated repairs which resulted in overlapping and the original design was lost. "We are reproducing the original by drawings which are being replanted in the buildings. Rang Mahal and Sheesh Mahal will also be done up on the same pattern,'' informed Mr M.K. Aggarwal, Chief Engineer.

The Maharaja suite on the premises is being beautified at a cost of Rs 23 lakh. It reflects the Mughal lifestyle in all its glory in spite of being updated with the conveniences of modern living. Stocking the kitchen of Jal Mahal with the latest gadgets of cooking is in the pipeline and would cost approximately Rs 1.77 lakh, while the construction of the 12-room motel extension will cost another Rs 58 lakh. After the first phase of extension, further extension of the motel would entail the construction of a conference hall and 12 more rooms.

Officials have devised an elaborate plan to cover the nullah, an eyesore near the entrance of the garden. The dramatic transformation will be brought about by converting it into a terrace fountain come down in steps and lined with flower beds and greenery. Creating adequate parking space by extending the area earmarked for the same outside the garden is also on the agenda.

The lighting arrangement is also in for a sea change, with the department taking special interest in highlighting the features of buildings, the beautified basket fountains and the ripple-effect on one of the terraces along with the topography of the land. With the improved lighting arrangement, the bill amounting to over Rs 2 lakh is also likely to go down considerably.

"We have taken great care in installing lights which are more energy efficient and cost effective. So, in spite of a larger number of lights dotting the entire garden and playing up the best in each building, the cost is bound to go down considerably,'' Mr Aggarwal says.

The Tourism Department has fielded a project for starting a sound and light programme for highlighting the heritage which has come down from Fidai Khan, built in the 17th century. A walk-in aviary spread over one acre and being built in association with the Haryana Wildlife Department has also been planned.