Havelis Dying In Slow Death In Shekhawati-

NAWALGARH (Rajasthan)
The renewed emphasis of the Rajasthan Government on heritage tourism has obviously not reached Shekhawati with its havelis locked and the beautiful frescoes gathering dust.

There are more than 200 havelis, mostly in private possession in this region. Some of these date back to the 17^th century. They range between one storey to five and a number of them have as many as 10 courtyards displaying brilliant architectural techniques.

Hardly a score of these havelis are properly maintained, says a local resident. Seepage caused by rainwater and accumulated moisture for want of proper sunlight in the havelis are destroying the many centuries old paintings on the walls.

These havelis are dying slow death and unless proper care is taken they will turn into ruins before long, said Dr O.P. Sharma, Director of Archaeology and Museums.

The government is also handicapped as none of them are under its controls and the owners have never approached the State authorities for their maintenance, he said.

The monuments are privately owned, Mr. Sharma says and the government can do very little unless approached for restoration and maintenance.