The 200-year-old historic Junga Mahal at Junga, around 26 km from Shimla, caught fire on Wednesday. The palace was once the residence of kings of the Keonthal princely state. Officials said no casualties were reported in the incident.
According to information, the fire broke out around 1 pm and spread rapidly inside the palace. Due to the extensive use of wood and other flammable material in the old structure, the flames spread quickly. Historic decorations, antique furniture and valuable documents inside the palace were destroyed in the fire.
Soon after the fire was reported, four fire tenders were rushed to the spot from the local fire station. Firefighters battled the blaze for several hours before bringing it under control, officials said. Teams from the local police and district administration also assisted in firefighting operations.
Officials said Junga Mahal held immense historical and cultural significance. The nearly two-century-old palace was among Himachal Pradesh’s important heritage structures and was a major attraction for locals and tourists alike. Its balconies, ancient paintings and historical records reflected the region’s rich cultural legacy.
The cause of the fire and the extent of damage are still being assessed, officials said. Preliminary estimates suggest that the palace has suffered extensive structural and heritage loss. The local administration and tourism department said an inquiry would be conducted and security measures strengthened to prevent such incidents in the future.
Local residents described the incident as a major historical loss and a serious blow to Himachal Pradesh’s cultural heritage. Many historians and tourists termed the fire a tragic event.
The Junga Mahal fire has raised concern not only over heritage loss but also its impact on the environment and tourism.
Minister of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj Anirudh Singh stated that “The tragic fire at the historic royal palace of the Junga princely state is deeply painful. This palace is an important symbol of our rich historical and cultural heritage, renowned for its distinctive architecture and exquisite wood carvings.
The severe damage to this nearly 200-year-old royal palace represents an irreparable cultural loss. Such heritage sites are not merely buildings; they preserve our history, identity, and collective memory.”
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