New Delhi, Dec 22: Defence Minister George Fernandes today handed over complete possession of the sprawling red fort complex to the Archaeological Survey of India and tourism ministry for developing it into a world heritage site and opening up to tourists, 56 years after the Army occupied it.
Marking the occasion, Fernandes gave to Tourism and Culture Minister Jagmohan a symbolic memento inscribed with the picture of the red fort, in front of the marvellous structure in stone.
Unveiling the ceremonial plaque at 'Lahore Gate' in the fort to record the moment for posterity, Fernandes recollected that the armed forces spent a long time in the fort engaged in national security, but it is now time for the 'Lal Quila' to be opened up for tourists from across the world.
“The armed forces have been here since independence. The history of the armed forces is interlinked with the fort... Now it is time to show to the world an aspect of our history and heritage," he said.
It was another rite of passage for the fort, built by Mughal ruler Shahjahan as a royal residence within his capital Shahjahanabad, and later a symbol and seat of power for the British Empire in India. After independence the British Army, which had occupied the fort since 1858, handed it over to the Indian Army, whose units stayed in the military garrison.
The defence minister's words were reminiscent of the writing on the plaque which said, "The Indian Army vacated this monument for reviving its old glory and presenting it as an epitome of rich Indian architecture and history."
Jagmohan thanked Fernandes for his "clarity of vision, decisiveness and capacity to get things done," which made it possible for the tourism ministry to get the possession of and
develop the fort.
"It was not an easy decision to leave for the armed forces, as it has developed a "love affair" with the fort, having spent so many years here. I thank the Defence Minister and the Army for making the decision," he told reporters.
"We would now be taking various measures for full restoration, conservation and environmental upgradation of the entire red fort complex and to move the UNESCO for its inclusion in the list of world heritage sites, a decision which was deferred," he said.
Asked how the armed forces felt about leaving the fort, Army Chief Gen N C Vij said, "The nation's cause comes first. I think it is a fair cause."
He said Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vijay Kapoor has offered some land in Dwaraka for accommodating the Army units moving out of the Red Fort.
The handing over ceremony was simple yet elegant. The Defence Minister inspected a Guard of Honour from the Sikh Light Infantry before going with Jagmohan inside the 'Lahore Gate' to unveil the plaque marking the occasion.
Bureau Report
