### Gulab Bagh’s Plea: Udaipur’s Heritage Calls for Immediate Action*

**Introduction: Gulab Bagh - Udaipur's Living Heritage**
Gulab Bagh, also known as Sajjan Niwas Garden, is a cherished historical site and living heritage nestled in Udaipur. Originally a gift from the Maharana of Mewar to the city, this garden was meant to be a sanctuary of greenery, beauty, and tranquility. However, today, this iconic site finds itself in desperate need of attention. Yashvardhan Singh Ranawat, Vice President of the Udaipur Hotel Association, along with his colleagues, has raised an urgent appeal for action to restore Gulab Bagh and other significant city landmarks, like ancient wells and stepwells, to their former glory.

**A Forgotten Treasure: Gulab Bagh’s Decline Over the Years**
Ranawat stressed that neglect and lack of foresight in planning have impacted the city's heritage sites, with Gulab Bagh among the most affected. Originally filled with the fragrance of roses and surrounded by lush greenery, the garden now suffers from litter, broken paths, and untended lawns. The once-attractive bird park lies in disrepair, and the 14 ancient stepwells (or *bawdis*), crucial to the garden's history, have been left to deteriorate. Adding to this is the construction of new cement structures within the garden, eroding its cultural and historical essence.

**Conservation Plans: Reviving Gulab Bagh’s Glory**
Ranawat suggested various ways to restore Gulab Bagh’s charm in an environmentally friendly and aesthetically pleasing manner. He envisions revitalizing the garden’s greenery to make it once again a focal point for locals and tourists alike. A major aspect of this plan involves restoring the stepwells with informational boards that highlight their history, coupled with proper evening lighting to enhance their appeal. The bird park, too, could be rejuvenated, drawing interest from visitors both young and old.

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**Creating an Informational Hub**
As a significant feature, Ranawat proposed establishing a small, modern information center to educate tourists and locals alike on Gulab Bagh’s history, heritage, and beauty. For any new construction within the garden, traditional stones and high-quality materials should be used to maintain the garden's cultural integrity.

**A Vision for *Kamal Talai*: A Garden of Lotuses**
To honor the name *Gulab Bagh*, the garden could be adorned with *Kamal Talai*, a lotus pond blooming year-round, symbolizing prosperity and grace. This initiative could not only beautify the garden but also restore its reputation as an attraction of unmatched aesthetic appeal.

**Local Efforts and Community Involvement: A Collective Responsibility**
Ranawat suggested that some sections of the garden could be adopted by local businesses and industrialists under expert supervision, ensuring proper upkeep. He emphasized that this iconic site can only be preserved if the community comes together, with residents, authorities, and organizations uniting in their efforts.

**Conclusion: Udaipur’s Legacy, Our Responsibility**
Gulab Bagh stands as a witness to Udaipur’s past glory and a testament to its cultural heritage. With a joint commitment, it can be revived as a proud symbol of the city, offering a peaceful retreat and fostering interactions between generations. Ranawat’s call for urgent action reminds us that the time to protect Gulab Bagh’s legacy is now, ensuring its beauty and historical value are cherished for years to come.