70% revamp done, ‘Birbal Ka Chhatta’ in Narnaul to be ready for tourists soon

Ravinder Saini

Mahendragarh, February 19

Tourists will soon be able to visit the historical monument, Chhatta Rai Bal Mukund Dass, in Narnaul town here as its revamping work has reached the final stage.

Was in a state of neglect

The project aims at preserving this heritage site as well as attracting tourists from Haryana as well as outside. Before the project, the monument had been in a dilapidated condition for long due to the “lethargic” attitude of the district and state authorities.

As per official information, 70 per cent work of the project has so far been completed at a total cost of around Rs 5 crore.

The project aims at preserving this heritage site as well as attracting tourists from Haryana as well as outside. Before the project, the monument had been in a dilapidated condition for long following the “lethargic” attitude of the district and state authorities in this respect. The walls and rooftops were lying broken from many places, which are now being repaired.

Chhatta Rai Bal Mukand Dass, popularly known as Chhatta of Birbal, is a spacious five-storey building with several halls, rooms and pavillions constructed by Ray-i-Rayan Mukand Dass, the diwan of Narnaul, during the reign of Shah Jahan in the 16th century.

It is believed that the building has four underground tunnels leading to Jaipur, Mahendergarh, Delhi and Dhosi. Akbar and Birbal used to visit this town, and that is why it is called “Birbal ka Chhatta”.

“The renovation work of this historical monument was started over one-and-half years ago. Two phases of the project have been completed, while the third and last phase will start soon. At present, tourists are not allowed to visit this preserved site, but it will be opened as soon as the project is completed,” said Ashwani Gehlawat, Executive Engineer, (PWD & BR), Narnaul.

Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala recently inspected the renovation work of “Birbal ka Chhatta”.

Talking to mediapersons on the occasion, he had said Mahendragarh district was very rich in terms of historical heritage sites and the state government was leaving no stone unturned to preserve these.

“In the coming time, ‘Birbal ka Chhatta’ will be a special centre of attraction for tourists. The remaining 30 per cent work of the project will also be completed soon,” Dushyant added.