Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje has asked for a list of Dak Bungalows of Public Works Department, Inspection Bungalows and Rest Houses of Irrigation and Forest Departments respectively which could be renovated and let out to private tourists for a fee.
Ms. Raje suggested a time-bound development plan for conservation, maintenance and management of the heritage buildings. She said buildings of historical and archaeological importance should continue to attract more tourists and help educate scholars.
Addressing a meeting here on protecting historical buildings and heritage conservation on Saturday, the Chief Minister said management and conservation of these buildings should be done in such a manner that they become economically self-sustainable from the income received by increased footfall of tourists. On the havelis in Shekhawati region, Ms. Raje said that these buildings were masterpieces in architecture and witnesses to the country’s great history. Some of these havelis are under private ownership, but the tourism department should still involve the owners in a conservation plan for these buildings.
Special attention towards efforts must be taken to conserve the monuments in Jaipur, the Chief Minister said and directed the officials to complete the Amber Fort Management Plan at the earliest.
Maintenance and renovation works at Sujanganga, the museum in Bharatpur and Muchkund Van Vihar and Talaab-e-shahi in Dholpur were discussed in the meeting in detail.
