China to renovate Potala palace

By Lobsang Tenchoe

DHARAMSALA, Oct 6: Potala, the Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s traditional winter palace will undergo a large scale renovation, according to a report by Chinese state media, Xinhua.

The renovation project which will cost more than 1.5 million US Dollar has been approved by China’s State Administration of Cultural Heritage.

According to the report, exposure to wind, sun and rain has damaged parts of the iconic Potala palace’s roof and the renovation will prolong the life of the roof.

“The project will focus on repairing the palace’s gold-plated roof and improving its security surveillance system,” Jorden from the palace’s administration body was quoted as saying in the report.

After the occupation of Tibet, the Potala palace located in Tibet’s capital, Lhasa was turned into a museum by the Chinese authorities and has since become the center of attraction for tourists.

A total of 1.37 million Chinese and international tourists visited the palace last year, the report stated.

Built in the 7th century, the winter palace of the Dalai Lama has 13 stories and 1000 rooms. In 1994, UNESCO declared it a world heritage site.