JK govt declares Gole Mahal as heritage site

The Jammu and Kashmir government today declared the 150-year old "Gole Mahal" monument here as a heritage site.
The state government on the recommendation of the Jammu and Kashmir Heritage Authority declared the Gole Mahal as a heritage site, an official spokesman said here.
A notification to this effect had been issued by the state government, he said.
Set up in mango orchard in city's Hazuribagh area, the Mahal, built by Dogra kings, is famous for its round-shaped lotus look.
It also houses the jail where former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Sheikh Abdullah was detained for a while during emergency.

The Mahal suffered damage when a property dealer allegedly dismantled a portion of the structure on December 15, 2012.
The Jammu and Kashmir High Court had issued notices to the state government and the Archaeological Survey of India on December 24 last year directing them to ensure that status quo be maintained regarding the monument.
The court asked the respondents to take effective steps to ensure that no changes were made with regard to the nature of the building or the site where it stands by any property dealer, contractor or builder.