My objective to write this petition is to bring everyone attention an urgent matter that requires immediate action. It concerns the conservation of the Himachal Darshan Photo Gallery (Mandi, Himachal Pradesh), which falls within the purview of the Kiratpur Manali National Road project.

One prominent personality dedicated to the preservation and promotion of our cultural heritage is Mr. Birbal Sharma. In 1997, he established the Himachal Darshan Photo Gallery, located 4 km from Mandi town on the Kullu Manali Road. This gallery aimed to showcase the natural beauty, cultural heritage of Himachal Pradesh to visitors, specifically tourists. Over the years, it has successfully attracted approximately 500,000 tourists from both within the country and abroad. This accomplishment is a matter of great pride for us. Notably, the gallery has been accessible to visitors free of charge and serves as a research institute, providing comprehensive material to researchers interested in the subject.

However, in 2018, a portion of the gallery was acquired during the construction of the Kiratpur Manali National highway Road, resulting in the demolition of its main section. Despite numerous challenges, Mr. Birbal Sharma tirelessly (day/night) (borrowing money) worked towards re-establishing the Himachal Darshan Photo Gallery.

This year, in April 2023, the Himachal Darshan Gallery reopened in its current form, showcasing a grander and larger structure in an attractive Pahari style. The gallery's walls are adorned with paintings depicting the art of Himachal, and it now features 16 enclosures, a photography library, a museum, and ancient relics.

But now Regrettably, on May 26, 2023, a notification was issued that posed a significant threat to the existence of the Himachal Darshan photo Gallery. The proposed turning point for the construction of the new highway from Pathankot to Mandi-Manali will encompass the gallery's location. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has erected bastions at this site, bringing the Himachal Darshan Photo Gallery within its boundaries. 

Dear all, we humbly request intervention for authorities in saving this cultural heritage. We request/urge "the Ministry of Transport" / "NHAI" / "Goverment of Himachal Pradesh" to reconsider the road design at the existing site, utilising the available land to preserve the Himachal Darshan Photo Gallery.

#savehimachaldarshanphotogallery