Amritsar: Poor upkeep of historic Ram Bagh catches MoS Meenakshi Lekhi's attention

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, January 3

The unauthorised construction and dilapidated condition of the historic Ram Bagh (Summer palace of the legendary Sikh ruler Maharaja Ranjit Singh) has caught the attention of Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs and Culture Meenakshi Lekhi.

The Union Minister who was in Amritsar today, said she was pained to see the condition of Ram Bagh, which comes partially under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

She said steps would be taken to remove encroachments.

‘Protected monument’

The Summer palace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh was declared a ‘Protected monument’ in 2004

Ram Bagh was declared a “Protected monument” in 2004. However, even after the notification, it was never fully handed over the ASI. The ASI has the possession of the garden and carries out conservation work at the entrance, four watch towers, Hamamghar, Small Baradari and Machhighar.

The remaining structures, including the main “Summer palace”, come under the ambit of the Punjab Cultural and Tourism Department.