Plans On The Way To Demolish Momentous Buildings Of Patiala

Giving in to increasing disapproval of its move to bulldoze the momentous buildings of Patiala, the Punjab administration, at this time, has taken a big turn and determined to safeguard these places in its place.

Overturning its verdict of destroying a building close to Baradari Gardens where Punjab had its HO of the water supply and sanitation section, the administration currently will turn it into a cultural cuisine centre, on special orders from Punjab CM Parkash Singh Badal.

Under the special tourism plan for the city that Asian Development Bank (ADB) will fund, Rs. 5 crore will get into the setting up of the cultural cuisine centre, which will present the well-known food of Patiala like kachori and popular craft items comprising paranda (hair ornament), jutti (customary shoe) and phulkari (hand sewing).

On February 4, a report stated that the Punjab administration’s proposal to get the Punjab Urban Planning and Development Authority (PUDA) to bulldoze the buildings aged over 100 and sell off the abandoned land for the expansion of money-making complexes.

The building in question came up around 130 years back during the supremacy of Maharaja Rajinder Singh and is connected with landmark verdicts in the times of old Patiala, one of the model generous states of former British India.

“Last week, the chief minister directed PUDA not to demolish the building and instead preserve it by opening a cuisine centre inside,” deputy commissioner GK Singh confirmed on Friday. “The detailed project was discussed with the CM,” he added.

There were claims from diverse quarters that the prevailing family of the Badals was demolishing Patiala’s inheritance in an intentional manner to harm his political enemies, particularly the erstwhile royal family of Patiala. It went a long way in pressuring Parkash Singh Badal to alter his mind.

In secret, PUDA had even offered the tenders to demolish the building. The procedure stopped after the news company exhibited the plan.

“CM wants local self-help groups involved in the reviving lost culinary traditions,” said the DC. “The ethnic cuisine centre will be a complete package for visitors keen to enjoy the tastes and fashion of yesteryears and eat in utensils associated with Patiala’s and Punjab’s culture.”

The place will also house an interpretation centre. The organization is free from danger, and routine repair will make it fine.