Tattering due to ravages of time, the British era structure in the heart of Shimla, the Bantony Castle will soon be acquired by Himachal Pradesh Government.
The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet in its meeting on Wednesday sealed the deal to take over the castle, constructed more than 110 years back int he British period, for Rs27.84 crore.
The castle, lying in a dilapidated state for long, is situated close to the popular scandal point near the famous Ridge in Shimla. Himachal government has decided to convert the castle into a museum.
Confirming the decision after the cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh said that the cabinet has accepted the recommendations of the negotiation committee set up to negotiate the formalities of acquisition with the owners of the heritage property.
On the plans for the castle, the CM said that it would be refurbished and converted into a museum and a recreational park and restaurant would also be developed in the area. He said the museum would be an added attraction to the famous Mall and Ridge. Converting the British era castle into a public spot, would also attract foreign tourists, who generally come to the city, to see the British architecture in India.
The Bantony Castle, which had been the summer palace for the Maharaja of Sirmaur, has the British building architecture, with sloppy roof and mini-towers. Its building had been serving as State Police headquarters since 1957, before being vacated after the directions of a court.
The plan to take over the Bantony castle was devised in 2011, when the then Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal had asked Urban Development Department to look into the scope of acquiring the British era castle. But later, the acquisition process was marred by controversies.