Addressing officials of various departments at the Fern House in Baradari Gardens, which has been patterned on the Botanical Gardens in Kolkata and developed by Maharaja Rajinder Singh in the 18th century, Bir sought proper maintenance of the infrastructure as “such investments are made from public money”.

The Fern House, which was a centre of attraction for tourists till sometime back, houses 46 small and large pillars, 54 fountains and 32 ornamental hedges.

It is now in a bad shape due to the negligent attitude of the officials who usually lack enthusiasm to preserve not only heritage buildings and sites but also other public property.

Expressing concern at the present condition of the Fern House, Bir directed the Horticulture Director and other officers to take immediate action to restore the pristine glory of the garden.

Taking serious view of the deteriorating state of some other historical places, Bir warned officials that future generations will not forgive them if they continued to ignore the upkeep of the sites.

Bir also instructed director of the Horticulture department to install computerised underground irrigation systems in the Baradari Gardens, also known as the heart of the royal town.

He also proposed a plan to convert the leaves and other organic waste into manure and holding camps of outdoor games and yoga for children. A ‘senior citizens’ meeting point’ and an open air theatre may also soon greet visitors to the garden.

The manager of an irrigation company from Chandigarh, A K Pathak, was also present at the meeting.

He has been deputed by Bir to prepare a detailed report and estimates for the proposed computerised irrigation system in the Baradari Gardens, on the lines of various well-maintained historical gardens in the country.

Bir has also asked Punjab Urban Development Authority (PUDA) officials to repair the expensive fountains installed by them three years ago. Automatic sprinkling system for the jogging track was also sought.