Waking a bit too late to save the heritage structures in Punjab which are crumbling, the Punjab Government on Wednesday decided to preserve its pre-Independence era buildings.
The Government has now made it mandatory for all departments to seek permission of the Cultural Affairs Department before renovation of any Government building constructed before 1947.
Earlier, in the absence of concrete plan by the State Government for restoration of the structures, the journey into the State's glorious past lead to the shambles.
Coming to its rescue, the State Government has issued a notification to all Divisional Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners and Sub-Divisional Magistrates directing them to obtain 'No Objection Certificate' (NOC) before demolition, alteration and reuse of all Government buildings built before 1947.
The, State Department of Cultural Affairs, Archaeology and Museums would examine the style and the material being used for alteration repair reconstruction and re-alteration, stated the spokesperson.
He added that the cost incurred on any technical advice, if any, would be borne by the departments or institutions concerned.
"In compliance with the directive of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, no construction or renovation work would be carried out in the State without obtaining the NOC from the department," the spokesperson said.
Besides, strict instructions have been issued to the officers at the district and State levels to firmly comply with the guidelines of the Punjab Government in this regard.