Cemented structures at Chamba Chaugan upset residents

Stir threatened

Members of the Chamba Janhit Organisation have threatened an agitation if the concretisation at the Chaugan is not stopped. The residents allege that for raising any concrete structure in the Chaugan, the permission of government should have been taken as it was declared heritage of Himachal.

Lalit Mohan

Tribune News Service

Dharamsala, June 28

Residents of Chamba are upset over the concrete pavements and other structures being raised at the historical Chaugan here.

Chaugan is a natural green pasture in the middle of the town. The government has granted the heritage status to the Chamba Chaugan. Most cultural activities like the annual Minjar Fair are organised at Chaugan.

The Chaugan is the lifeline of the town as most residents gather here in mornings and evenings. However, during the lockdown, the district administration has started constructing concrete pavements and sheds in the area. Sources said the concretisation was being funded by the National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC).

The Chamba Janhit Organisation has written to the government against it. Member of the organisation SL Sharma alleged that the heritage was being destroyed. Earlier, the basic structure of Akhand Chandi Palace, the residence of erstwhile rulers of Chamba state, was changed as it was handed over to the medical college temporarily. Some residents went to the High Court to protect it. Now, the basic structure of the Chaugan was being changed, he said.

Members of the organisation have threatened an agitation if the concretisation at the Chaugan is not stopped. The residents allege that for raising any concrete structure in the Chaugan, the permission of government should have been taken as it was declared heritage of Himachal.

The residents alleged that the Chaugan had five portions. Of these, four portions had been destroyed by raising concrete structures. The remaining portion should be protected at any cost, they said.

DC Vivek Bhatia was not available for comments despite repeated calls on his mobile phone.

Sources said some citizens had approached the National Trust for Art and Culture Heritage (INTACH) regarding the concretisation of the Chowgan. The INTACH authorities have taken up the matter with the government.