Historic Jallianwala Bagh near the Golden Temple has finally got a facelift
with 80% of the redevelopment project completed. Dedicated to the 100th
anniversary of the massacre on April 13, 1919, the Union culture and tourism
ministry is executing the project to transform the historical monument at a
cost of Rs 20 crore. Work started last year.
Preserved bullet marks at
Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar.
A group of media
persons got a preview of the work completed till now with the garden being
opened for them. The facility is otherwise closed for the public.
The garden has
acquired a new look and has been given a modern, contemporary feel.
Newly-constructed slopes under the landscaping on both sides of the stretch
that leads to the flame-shaped memorial of those killed in the massacre,
enhances its solemn grace. The Amar Jyoti has been relocated.
Member of
Parliament Shwait Malik inspects the renovation work at the Jallianwala Bagh in
Amritsar
Rajya Sabha member and Jallianwala Bagh National Memorial Trust
member Shwait Malik had arranged the preview. Though the bullet marks have been
preserved properly, the “Shaheedi Khu” (Martyrs’ Well) and the historic narrow
street leading to its entrance have been modernised totally, amid controversy
with some social activists claiming that the heritage character of the monument
was being destroyed in the name of giving a facelift. The well has been
plastered and painted from the inside. Glass has been fitted on the windows of
the new see-through canopy built on it.
Pertinently, the
narrow street which was used by the British troops to enter the premises to
fire at the Indians, who had gathered there peacefully, and carries heritage
value, has been given a new design with sculptures depicting ordinary men and
women of that age on newly-plastered walls of both sides.
The
galleries depicting the history of the massacre and other episodes of Indian
freedom struggle are ready. Speakers for light and sound show have been installed. Rest of the work will be finished within two
months and the memorial will be thrown open for public soon.
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