Chamba’s historic Rang Mahal on verge of collapse, to be restored

Balkrishan Prashar

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Chamba, April 4

The state Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation has chalked out an ambitious project to conserve the historical Rang Mahal in Chamba, besides developing a parking lot to promote tourism.

The widening of the Chamba-Puccatala-Baloo road under the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-funded project is on the cards.

Director, Tourism, Sudesh Mokhta, also the mission director of the Infrastructure Development Investment Programme for Tourism (IDIPT-HP), recently held a meeting with officials and stakeholders and discussed modalities on various tourism-related issues. He said in the first phase, Rs 6.50 crore would be spent under the project. Chamba MLA Pawan Nayyar, Deputy Commissioner Harikesh Meena, SP Monika Bhutungru and other stakeholders shared their suggestions.

Founded by Raja Umed Singh in the 18th century, the Rang Mahal showcases a perfect blend of British and Mughal architecture. It is one of the largest monuments in Chamba. The place attracts a number of tourists every year.

However, the historical building has seen a lot alterations of late. It now houses various departments such as the offices of District Language Officer, District Employment Officer, Labour Officer and Inspector. The palace also houses Himachal emporium, a training centre of Chamba “rumal” and slippers and a footwear industrial unit of the Himachal Pradesh Handloom and Handicrafts Corporation. The Rang Mahal building is now on the verge of collapse. With the passage of time, cracks have developed and wild vegetation has grown at certain walls.