New Delhi: Defence Minister George Fernandes today (Dec 22, 2003) handed over complete possession of the sprawling Red Fort Complex to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and Tourism Ministry for developing it into a world heritage site and opening up to tourists, 56 years after the Army occupied it.

Marking the occasion, Fernandes gave a symbolic memento, which was inscribed with the picture of the Red Fort, to Tourism and Culture Minister Jagmohan in front of the marvellous stone structure.

Unveiling the ceremonial plaque at 'Lahore Gate' in the Fort to record the moment for posterity, Fernandes recollected that the armed forces spent a long time in the Fort engaged in national security, but it is now time for the 'Lal Qila' to be opened up for tourists from across the world.

"The armed forces have been in Red Fort since Independence. The history of the armed forces is interlinked with the Fort. Now it is time to show to the world an aspect of our history and heritage," he said.

The Red Fort, built by Mughal ruler Shahjahan as a royal residence within his capital Shahjahanabad, later became a symbol and seat of power for the British Empire in India. After Independence the British Army, which had occupied the Fort since 1858, handed it over to the Indian Army, whose units stayed in the military garrison.