Punjab government today announced that it will conserve the Gobindgarh fort at Amritsar as preserved monument of historical importance and issued a notification in this regard.
State Tourism Minister Sohan Singh Thandel said the government has decided to preserve the fort under "the Punjab Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1964".
Fort Gobindgarh was previously known as Bhangian Da Kila and has been a mute witness to many historic events associated with the Sikh warrior king, Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Gobindgarh Fort has been through the turmoil of Anglo-Sikh wars due to its strategic location, he said.
The minister also said that it was imperative for SAD-BJP government to preserve the unique architectural masterpiece in its original form and guidance of international experts has been sought in this mission of national importance.
Throwing light on the architectural design of this fort, he said that Gobindgarh Fort was constructed with brick and lime on a square pattern with a parameter of 1500 square metres with two strong gates, four large bastions and well-defined rampart.
"The magnificent main entrance is called 'Nalwa Gate'. There were 25 cannons used to be stationed on the ramparts," Thandal said.
He said the state government would soon issue the final notification for declaring the Fort Gobindgarh as "Preserved Historical Monument.
