Punjab govt order to protect pre-Independence era buildings

To preserve pre-Independence era buildings, Punjab government today made it mandatory for all departments to seek permission of the Cultural Affairs Department before renovation of any government building constructed before 1947.
A notification issued to all Divisional Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners and Sub Divisional Magistrates directed them to obtain No Objection Certificate before demolition, alteration and reuse of all government buildings built before 1947, a spokesman of the department of Cultural Affairs, Archaeology and Museums, Punjab, said here.
The department would examine the style and the material being used for alteration repair reconstruction and re-alteration, he said.
"The cost incurred on any technical advice, if any would be borne by the departments or institutions concerned.

"In compliance with the directive of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, no construction or renovation work would be carried out in the state without obtaining the NOC from the department," the spokesman said.