A facelift of heritage buildings and markets in the Walled City is in the pipeline as the Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) has decided to sanction Rs 2.5 crore for the purpose.

The move will restore the buildings giving a uniform structure while preserving the heritage look of the city. Executive director of Amber Development and Management Authority (ADMA), B D Garg said, "We have sent the proposal to the JDA for approval. The initial work will be done with the money received from the JDA. We will invite tenders for the project in the last week of November 2011."

"The JDA and the Jaipur Municipal Corporation have already prepared a detail project report (DPR) to give an original heritage look of the walled city and work will be done accordingly."

The traders were impressed by the results of a previous restoration project on buildings in Chaura rasta area. Minister of state for tourism, Bina Kak, who approved the action said, "This was essential to restore the heritage look and uniformity in the walled city." Work will immediately start in Tripolia Bazar and Johri Bazar and cover Kishanpol Bazar and other parts at a later stage.

Kak further elaborated that in the process of restoration, the front elevation of the buildings will be repaired. At busy tourist spots, a repainting with traditional pink colour, symbolic of the Pink City, will also be carried out. Garg said the work will also include "repair of the electric wires, AC fittings and handling problems of encroachment".

Restitution work at Chaura Raasta by ADMA started last year with almost 50 per cent of it completed at a cost of Rs 40 lakh till date. With the current approval, ADMA is also looking to cover the gates to the Walled City and give them the required uplift, Garg said.