Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena visiting Himachal Darshan Photo Gallery in Mandi before its planned demolition due to four-lane road construction.
Mandi, April 21: While traveling from Kullu to Shimla on Sunday, Himachal Pradesh Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena made a brief stop at the Himachal Darshan Photo Gallery, located in Bindravani near Mandi. He was accompanied by his wife, Anurita Saxena. Sub-Divisional Magistrate (Sadar), IAS officer Om Kant Thakur, was also present during the visit.
During the tour, gallery founder Birbal Sharma introduced the Chief Secretary to the rare and historical photographs displayed in the gallery, which aim to present the essence of Himachal Pradesh under one roof. He also shared details about the museum and traditional ‘baraselis’ (wooden structures) set up within the gallery premises.
Sharma highlighted that the gallery—originally established during Saxena’s earlier tenure as Deputy Commissioner and Additional Deputy Commissioner of Mandi—is now facing demolition for the second time due to the ongoing four-lane road construction project. Expressing surprise and sadness, Saxena remarked that the gallery is a cultural heritage of Himachal Pradesh and should have been preserved. He emphasized that the photographs displayed are now rare and hold great value for future researchers. He called the initiative extraordinary—offering a unique blend of the state’s culture, history, development, and natural beauty.
Despite several efforts, Sharma noted, attempts to save the gallery have failed. He expressed willingness to donate the entire collection free of cost if the government or administration can relocate it to a suitable venue. He also suggested that the traditional baraselis should be properly relocated. A formal memorandum was submitted to the Chief Secretary, urging swift action to safeguard the collection.
In response, Prabodh Saxena assured that the state government would do whatever possible to preserve the gallery. Birbal Sharma also presented him with a copy of the “Wah Himachal” coffee table book.
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