Jaipur markets to regain old heritage

Impressed by the results of a project for restoring original heritage look of buildings in Chaura Rasta, traders of other markets suggested the state government to cover their markets as well following which the state tourism minister Bina Kak gave her nod recently.

In a bid to give fresh lease of life to the markets inside the walled city, it has been decided to revamp and repair the front elevation of buildings, Kak said. "We want to restore heritage look and uniformity in the walled city," she said. "We have already forwarded our proposal to the Central government and the Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) will give Rs two crore as the state government`s share," she added.

Amber Development and Management Authority (ADMA), which is already executing the project in Chaura Rasta, will take up the work immediately in Tripolia Bazar and Johri Bazar and cover Kishanpol Bazar and other parts at a later stage, she said. The work was started in Chaura Rasta last year and almost 50 per cent of the work has been completed at cost of around Rs 40 lakh, she added.

Front elevation of several buildings was repaired and repainted with traditional Pink colour and given a facelift at many places in Chaura Rasta, Executive Director, ADMA, BD Garg said. "Encroachments in corridors, electric wires and AC fittings are some of the hurdles but we are working in coordination with all departments concerned to ensure that the project runs smoothly and successfully," he said.

"The current approval is for markets but we will also cover gates which are for entering the walled city," Garg added. Johri Bazar, Tripolia Bazar, Chaura Rasta, Kishanpol Bazar and Chandpole are the major markets in the walled city which are frequently visited by tourists.