Historic Ram Bagh losing its charm, activist writes to ASI, National Monuments Authority

Violating the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and Municipal Corporation (MC), the authorities set up a battery charging station, restaurant and other commercial ventures inside the historic Ram Bagh, an ASI protected monument. A local activist PC Sharma has now written to the Director, National Monuments Authority (NMA), and Director General, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), to intervene in the matter and preserve the legacy of Ram Bagh.

PC Sharma has written to the ASI and National Monuments Authority alleging that the Municipal Corporation is intentionally violating the terms and conditions laid down in the MoU signed on December 4, 2018, by the then Municipal Commissioner and Superintending Archaeologist, ASI, Chandigarh. “This Ram Bagh, commonly known as Company Garden, has now become a health hazard for morning and evening walkers. A full-fledged market is established inside the garden. Several constructions including sheds, batteries charging stations and restaurants have been constructed recently. Street vendors sell soup, tea, burgers and other items from morning till evening. A large number of vehicles can be seen in the parking inside the garden till late at night. The public is very upset with the increase in vehicles, street vendors, shops and inappropriate sheds,” wrote Sharma.

“The objective of providing green, clean and hygienic environment to the visitors has been defeated and the garden is losing its natural beauty. Due to heavy traffic and commercial activities, trees and birds are getting affected. As per the agreement, both the parties (ASI and MC) agreed to remove the illegal constructions established within the monument. But it is increasing day by day, due to which the glory of the garden is fading. The tourist footfall is almost zero. The Municipal Corporation must not have taken written permission from the Superintending Archaeologist, ASI, for new encroachments, movement of vehicles, street vendors, tea shops and construction of shed and battery charging station. Following the violation, the MC officials should be summoned and questioned,” said advocate PC Sharma.