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Renovation work at Jaipur's Amber Fort,
a hurdle for tourists

      Jaipur: Tourists visiting Jaipur's renowned Amber Fort are a disappointed lot these days since they cannot have a glimpse of the fine architectural designs of the fort, which is undergoing renovation work. This is said to be the first biggest renovation work undertaken and a budget of around 38 crore of rupees has been sanctioned to paint its walls, roofs, flooring and corridors. However, the months between October and March being a tourist season due to less intense heat and cool weather, foreign tourists flocking in the Pink City are disappointed since they are not able to enjoy the beauty of the fort in its original form. "It's good to see that now there is renovation work. But it would be better if it would be done sooner because it is such a beautiful fort. I think it would have been really nice to see it more in its original form," said Heva Harrison, a tourist from England. Yet others feel that if proper care were taken of the fort then the beauty of it would have attracted tourists in large number. "This is exceptionally beautiful and I repeat again the condition of this monument is not taken care of. You will be surprised the kind of tourists that you will be drawing to this country if it was taken care in a much better way," said Dr. Mandva, another foreign tourist from Miami, USA. Meanwhile, officials at the Rajasthan Institute of Conservation of Cultural Properties do agree that renovation work is causing problems for tourists but they say that care has been taken to cause fewer hurdles to them. "This has to be. We are not doing major works inside the palace where tourists are moving around. But some problems have to be faced. We are trying that tourists have less problem and small activities are done inside the palace because it is tourists' season," said P K Jain, Director, Rajasthan Institute of Conservation of Cultural Properties. The renovation project spread over two years is expected to be completed by next year. To restore the fort in its original form, 'Khamira', a form of colour used earlier is being used now. Amber Fort is a finest example of Rajput architecture and was the capital of the Kachhawah rulers. Though it was constructed by Raja Man Singh, additional construction is credited to by Sawai Jai Singh. Within the palace are the Diwan-e-Aam (Hall of Public Audience), the Diwan-e-Khas (Hall of Private Audience) and the Sukh Niwas.
-Nov 16,  2006

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