Sambalpur, Nov. 1: Armed with brooms and other sanitation equipment, residents of the city finished cleaning the renowned Raja Bakhri (king's palace) today.

Members of various local social organisations and the municipal corporation took part in the two-day drive to clean the historical structure.

"King Chhatra Sai had built the two-storey Raja Bakhri in the 17th century, which had 40 rooms. Due to lack of maintenance, the first is in a dilapidated state and the ground floor is no better," said Deepak Panda, a city-based writer.

"The legendary Veer Surendra Sai had stayed in the palace for a few days when he and his 1,500 supporters came to Sambalpur on October 7, 1857, defying the British forces. Freedom fighters had waved the national flag at the Raja Bakhri during the Quit India Movement in 1942," Panda said.

"The monument had turned into a vitual dumping yard with people throwing garbage near it. The residents cleaned the garbage during the drive and cut wild vegetation growing on the building. The corporation was also part of the drive. "We want to spread the message that historical monuments are part of our heritage and we should preserve them," said Panda.

"This is a good initiative by the residents of the city," said deputy commissioner of the corporation Sudhansu Bhoi.

"I am really happy to be a part of the noble initiative," said a local resident.