New Delhi, Aug 17: The twelfth century Jaisalmer Fort is all set to regain its glory with the New York-based World Monuments Fund (WMF) joining hands with the Indian government and extending an assistance of about Rs 2.5 crore for the restoration of the world heritage site. A memorandum of understanding to this effect has been signed between senior officials of WMF, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and National Culture Fund (NCF) in the presence of Tourism and Culture Minister Jagmohan and director of WMF Mark Weber here.
Appreciating the cooperation extended by WMF, Jagmohan said the fort was in a "very bad shape" and may have suffered damages beyond repairs. He said the Rs 10 crore renovation and restoration project is likely to be completed in one and a half years. While the NCF would pump in Rs 5 crore, WMF would provide Rs 2.5 crore and the remaining from the government.
Jagmohan said his ministry had drawn up a very big scheme for the restoration of heritage sites and was working on creating 34 tourist hubs, one each in every state, to promote tourism in the country. Though the fortified city has endured for centuries, in recent years due to increased tourism, unplanned growth and water ingress there has been extensive damage to the fort and the buildings within. Increased rainfall had further exaggerated the problem causing several houses including the `Rani ka Mahal` to collapse, tourism ministry said. Bureau Report