Chandigarh, December 30: Haryana Chief Minister, Mr. Manohar Lal has directed the officers concerned to ensure that State Archaeological Museum to be constructed in Panchkula should be made tourist friendly.

The Chief Minister was presiding over a meeting held in this regard here today. Minister of State for Women and Child Development, Mrs. Kamlesh Dhanda, Minister of State for Archaeology and Museums (Independent charge), Mr. Anoop Dhanak also attended the meeting.

During the meeting, it was informed that an amount of about Rs 60 crore will be spent on the construction of the museum, which will be built on 1.83 acres of land. The cost of interior designing and finishing will be decided later. The officers of the concerned department gave detailed information through a presentation about the museum building to the Chief Minister.

The Chief Minister said that arrangements should be made to provide adequate facilities to the visitors visiting the museum.

He directed that in a bid to ensure favourable atmosphere is created for tourists visiting museum premises, an open garden having various varieties of flowers should be developed in the middle of the museum building. He said the open garden will not only rejuvenate visitors, but they will also visit the museum with enthusiasm.

The Chief Minister said that there should also be adequate arrangements for a  cafeteria in the building. He said that since children and women will also be visiting the museum, therefore, arrangement of crèches and baby feeding rooms in the building should be ensured.  He also directed the officers to explore the possibilities of setting up a gymnasium.

It was informed in the meeting that not only historical information will be made available in this museum, but researchers will also do research work by visiting here and for this library and research lab will also be set up in the building.  Documents from the British period will also be made available in the museum. 

The Chief Minister was apprised that efforts should be made so that the building gives a glimpse of Indus Valley and Harappan culture.  The museum will also have an e-library and a strong room will be built in the building.

Chief Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Mr. D. S. Dhesi, Principal Secretary, Archeology and Museum Department, Dr. Ashok Khemka, Deputy Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Mrs. Ashima Brar, Director, Archeology and Museum Department, Ms.  Mandeep Kaur, were also present.