The demolition of Kapurthala’s 99-year-old Randhir Jagatjit Hospital and 89-year-old Lady Linlithgow Tuberculosis Hospital has been stalled, pending the approval of a new proposal that mandates heritage facades for the new buildings that would come up in their place.The declaration came after Deputy Commissioner Akash Bansal met Brigadier HH Sukhjit Singh, the ninth titular ‘Maharaja’ of Kapurthala and the grandson of Maharaja Jagatjit Singh of Kapurthala at his residence. The two, accompanied by district officials, also toured various heritage buildings of Kapurthala and discussed restoration work.Following the visit, the district administration, on Wednesday, issued a formal commitment that the facades of the new medical structures would be fashioned after the heritage buildings. The administration also said the foundation stones of both structures would be incorporated in the new buildings.The Tribune had on May 16 highlighted the uproar over the proposed demolition of the historic structures. Maharaja Jagatjit Singh’s great grandson Tikka Shatrujit Singh, MLAs, former journalists, former DGP GS Aujla, INTACH State Convener Maj Gen Balwinder Singh were among those who raised concerns.During his meeting with the DC, Brig Sukhjit Singh, 93, said, “The government and authorities must hear the voice of the people and understand their concerns regarding heritage preservation.” Appreciating the administration’s decision to address the concerns, he said, “Progress should always remain sensitive to the sentiments, history and identity of the people. There should certainly be upgradation and modernisation of healthcare infrastructure, but not destruction in the name of development.”“A proposal has already been sent to higher authorities and departments concerned for necessary approvals for heritage designs for the new facades. Until then, demolitions are stalled,” the DC said.