Finally,Administration unlocks Open Hand

The decision was taken in a meeting chaired by Home Secretary Ram Niwas. UT Senior Superintendent of Police,Superintendent of Police (traffic),Director (tourism) and officials from the Punjab and Haryana High Court were present.

Last week,Niwas had received instructions from HC Chief Justice Mukul Mudgal to throw open the monument for general public. So far,the famous creation of Le Corbusier was out of bounds for people.

In the meeting,visiting hours to the monument were fixed. On weekdays,the monument will be open from 10.30 am to 3 pm,and on weekends,from 10 am to 5 pm. Also,guided tours of up to 50 members will be allowed.

The decision to open the monument has come with strict dos and don’ts. Only eco-friendly vehicles — bicycles and cycle rickshaws — will be allowed near the monument. Other vehicles will have to be parked near the Civil Secretariat roundabout (old barricade point).

In the meeting,Niwas asked Director (tourism) to make provision for battery-operated vehicles for the physically challenged and senior citizens. He also instructed the SSP to ensure that no demonstration,protest or meeting is held at the monument.

Further,use of loud speakers or public address system will no be allowed,except with written permission. Visitors will not be allowed to carry weapons,firearms etc. at the monument.

To keep the area litter free,eatables,water bottles,etc. will not be allowed at the monument.

The area leading to the Vidhan Sabha and the High Court,meanwhile,continues to be out of bounds for general public.

Out of bounds
Motorised vehicles
Demonstrations,protests,meetings
Loud speakers,public address system
Weapons,firearms
Eatables,water bottles