The Punjab Government on Monday set in motion the process of conserving Fort Gobindgarh at Amritsar as preserved monument of historical importance by issuing a notification under the Punjab Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1964. “Keeping in mind the historical importance of this Fort in the Sikh history, the Punjab government has now decided to preserve the Fort Gobindgarh under the 1964 Act,” said the state Tourism Minister Sohan Singh Thandal.
He said that Fort Gobindgarh is previously known as Bhangian Da Kila. “This Fort has been a mute witness to many historic events associated with the Sikh warrior King Maharaja Ranjit Singh…Built by the army of Gujjar Singh of Bhangi Misl, this Fort has been through the turmoil of Anglo-Sikh wars due to its strategic location,” he added. Thandal said: “It is imperative for SAD-BJP Government to preserve unique architectural masterpiece in its original form and guidance of international experts has been sought in this mission of national importance.”
Throwing light on the Fort’s architectural design, Thandal said that Gobindgarh Fort was constructed with brick and lime on a square pattern with a parameter of 1500 square meter with two strong gates, four large bastions and well-defined rampart. He said: “Any person, who have any proximity or inclination with this Fort, and who has any objection in declaring this Fort as historical monument could file their objections with the tourism department within two months.” After completing this formality, the Punjab government would issue the final notification for declaring the Fort Gobindgarh as Preserved Historical Monument, he said.