Racing ahead of time, the fast pace of urbanization in the city is making Bathinda's Gobindgarh fort lose its sheen, albeit brick-by-brick.
In dire need of immediate funds for complete restoration of this magnificent structure, the fort has remained the epicentre of inhabitation in the city.
It has always been restored in phases. While the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) mended its one wall, another collapsed. Such is the state of affairs that the portion of wall in the fort that collapsed anyear ago during the monsoons was closed for a fortnight.
Now, over a year has passed and the portion still remains mired in debris. Following the collapse, access to the boundary walls of the fort has been denied. The wide wall is known as being the favourite haunt for recreation for the city dwellers and the only open space known to those living in the walled city.
“In the absence of spacious houses, the greenery in the fort served as our extended playgrounds. Our children have grown up here. It is painful to see this giant structure crumbling in a state of neglect. I wish the closed portions are soon made accessible to the public,” said Varinder Kumar Sharma, a resident of Pujan Wala Mohalla.
The crumbling wall of the Bathinda Fort has not yet been renovated and threatens to eclipse its historical grandeur. Tribune photograph: Pawan Sharma
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