AMRITSAR: In a  memorable event,  the Army Monday handed over historic Fort Gobindgarh to the civil administration. Maj-Gen P.S.Paul, VSM, General Officer Commanding, 15TH Infantry Division Division, handed over the possession with keys of the fort to Deputy Commissioner K.S Pannu.

This materialized after several rounds of parleys between the  bureaucracy, political leadership and the Army authorities.

This monument was kept out of bounds from the people of Punjab for over 150 years. They have emotional attachment with the events related to Fort Gobindgarh. It had remained under the control of the Army since 1849, when Punjab was annexed by the British after the demise of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. It is expected that Fort would be thrown open to the civilians who could witness the history of the monument and of the 150-year period.

Throwing light on the previous history of the Gobindgarh Fort Army officials said, "The majestic Fort still occupying unique place in the Indian and British history since it is interwoven with folklore and historical saga of Amritsar. The silent wall of the Fort had witnessed the changing fortunes and masters playing a significant role since 1760. It was rechristened as Gobindgarh Fort by Sikh leader Maharaja Ranjit Singh who had been great Sikh warrior in 1805. Fort underwent first reconstruction/face lift in 1805 to 1809".

"In 1849, after the second Sikh War, the British took possession of Amritsar and Gobidngarh Fort too and the possession of the Britishers remained till 1947. The infamous General Dyer commander of the British Government having his official residence here in the Fort due to the security point of view", informed officials.

It may be mentioned here that Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh during his visit to the Holy city Amritsar on December 20, 2006 had handed over the key of the historic Gobindgarh Fort to the then Chief Minister, Capt Amarinder Singh.

Pannu said that with the opening of Gobindgarh Fort, Amritsar city would be more attractive for   tourists. Now the task of beautification of the entire area would be assigned to a private party.

Construction of the inner boundary wall of the fort has been completed by the tourism department with the cost of Rs. 4 crore, informed Pannu.

During the regime of previous Congress Government in Punjab, Rs. 150 crore budget was earmarked to develop this fort as Heritage site. At that time Gobindgarh fort in the possession of the Army.

Earlier, entry to this historic Gobindgarh Fort was restricted to civilians since 1947 after independence, since the possession of the fort is coming with the Indian Army, which has converted the fort into Army cantonment onwards 1947.