The erstwhile royals of Gujarat met in the city on Thursday to convey their concerns about the deteriorating condition of heritage properties in the state.
They reiterated the need for government assistance in preserving these properties. It should be noted that some of the heritage properties, including royal palaces, have been turned into hotels. Others have been undergoing renovation for some time now.
But, many of the royals said that in absence of massive funds for investment and reduction in number of tourists, the overall picture still remains bleak. Heads of around eight hotels met Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited (TCGL) secretary Vipul Mittra in this regard.
Some of the suggestions included giving heritage hotels a one-time lump sum fund to renovate their properties. "After the one-time grant, they will fend for themselves," said Urvashi Devi Chaudhary of Devgarh Baria who is currently renovating her palace.
She said that the renovation of her palace has cost her more than Rs1 crore yet only half of the work is done."Renovating a bathroom alone costs Rs5 lakh," she said.
Maharaja Mahipendra Singh of Danta in Banaskantha said that there is a need to ensure that such properties become economically viable. "Tourists come mostly during the peak months but the staff and property have to be maintained round the year, which is a very costly affair.
Moreover, in some cases, the property tax that we pay is higher than the income from such properties," he said.
Given the fact that Gujarat has the highest concentration of princely states, the royals also suggested developing the circuit which has good potential for tourism.
Some of the havelis are exquisitely designed, and most properties have works of art, antiques, vintage cars and buggies which can be of interest to both foreign and domestic tourists.
"Formation of an exclusive heritage hotels policy, a single window clearance for hotel license, easy permission process for filming, a wildlife tourism policy and marketing and promotional support from TCGL were some of the other suggestions," said Maharaja Rao Gopal Singh of Darbargarh Poshina.
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