Amritsar, february 4

With restoration work in full swing at Jallianwala Bagh, the authorities have decided to close it from February 15 to April 12. A notice in this regard has been put up at the entrance.

Officials say March 31 is the target date for completing the first phase of facelift. “The effort is to re-open it in its new avatar within the stipulated time frame. The visitors’ entry has been restricted so that the pace of ongoing work is not affected,” said an official.

The work of restoration and allied services, which is estimated to cost around Rs19.36 crore, is being carried out under the supervision of the Archaeological Survey of India.

A new exit point with 15-foot-wide gate has been created. The old structure around the martyrs’ well has been replaced with glass walls so that the visitors can have a clear view of inside of the well.

A new light and sound show system has also being installed. The 50-seat auditorium on the first floor is being revamped with a 3-D projection system to showcase documentaries.

The bullet marks on original structures and surrounding walls are being preserved. For beautification, new landscaping and lighting arrangements are being done. Facilities for the visitors are also being improved.

MP Shawait Malik, who is also a member of the Jallianwala Bagh National Memorial Trust, said the place would remain open till 9 pm after the completion of facelift. — TNS