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The Rajasthan Tourism Department is planning to lay the foundation stone of a new Paryatan Bhawan in Jaipur, according to a Times of India report. Presently in a makeshift office at the Khasa Kothi in Jaipur, the department had earlier laid the foundation stone for a Paryatan bhavan behind the Government Hostel here back in 1991, but the construction was never completed. Sources say the building will be a six-storeyed one.
"Building an office near the Government Hostel was fine as this would have been behind the heritage building. But raising a six-floor building in front of Khasa Kothi, another heritage building, would absolutely destroy the ambience," emphasised a source.
The Department has shifted its head office to Khasa Kothi - also known as the state hotel or state guest house - as a temporary makeshift arrangement. The department been given 25 rooms out of 35 rooms functioning earlier as a hotel. "In small rooms about eight to 10 people are crowded together, handling various work. This makes it very difficult for officials to work, specially when two parallel designation officers work close to each other, said a source.
While officers may claim the office is fully operational, it is demeaning for junior-level employees to walk into an office space with attached toilets where all toilet fittings have been pulled out by the Khasa Kothi authorities fearing theft or damage. On the other hand, a special red tiled path has been laid from the driveway to the room assigned to the Tourism Commissioner and Secretary. "It was ensured that no change was done to the heritage elements of this building while creating our office space. The central location of this office will be a boon to tourists, tour operators, travel agents, guides, etc." said Rekha Gupta, Additional Director of Tourism, Rajasthan.
The Tourist Reception Centre (TRC), Jaipur, however, will continue to remain at the Government Hostel where the Department of Tourism had its former offices. The Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC) office has shifted near the Jaipur railway station.
Khasa Kothi is a well known heritage building of Jaipur. Built originally by Sawai Ram Singh II almost a century ago as State Guest House, it was subsequently enlarged by his successors and is a regal old mansion.
http://www.travelbizmonitor.com/rajasthan-tourism-department-plans-to-build-a-new-paryatan-bhavan-13546
"Building an office near the Government Hostel was fine as this would have been behind the heritage building. But raising a six-floor building in front of Khasa Kothi, another heritage building, would absolutely destroy the ambience," emphasised a source.
The Department has shifted its head office to Khasa Kothi - also known as the state hotel or state guest house - as a temporary makeshift arrangement. The department been given 25 rooms out of 35 rooms functioning earlier as a hotel. "In small rooms about eight to 10 people are crowded together, handling various work. This makes it very difficult for officials to work, specially when two parallel designation officers work close to each other, said a source.
While officers may claim the office is fully operational, it is demeaning for junior-level employees to walk into an office space with attached toilets where all toilet fittings have been pulled out by the Khasa Kothi authorities fearing theft or damage. On the other hand, a special red tiled path has been laid from the driveway to the room assigned to the Tourism Commissioner and Secretary. "It was ensured that no change was done to the heritage elements of this building while creating our office space. The central location of this office will be a boon to tourists, tour operators, travel agents, guides, etc." said Rekha Gupta, Additional Director of Tourism, Rajasthan.
The Tourist Reception Centre (TRC), Jaipur, however, will continue to remain at the Government Hostel where the Department of Tourism had its former offices. The Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC) office has shifted near the Jaipur railway station.
Khasa Kothi is a well known heritage building of Jaipur. Built originally by Sawai Ram Singh II almost a century ago as State Guest House, it was subsequently enlarged by his successors and is a regal old mansion.
http://www.travelbizmonitor.com/rajasthan-tourism-department-plans-to-build-a-new-paryatan-bhavan-13546