Writers' Buildings renovation to be handled with care

Kolkata, Aug 24: The proposed renovation and restoration of the historic Writers' Buildings would not lead to a change in its facade and its heritage character would be maintained said Chief Secretary Sanjay Mitra.

He also replied in the negative when asked whether any foreign agency would be entrusted with the job.

"However, changes that may have eroded the heritage character may have to be reversed. This will depend on the recommendation of the experts," he told reporters.

"All statutory bodies relevant to the heritage issue will be consulted and their inputs will be taken," he said, adding that every effort would be made to make Writers' Buildings as environmental friendly and green as possible.

Maintaining that renovation and restoration work would take six months to one year's time, Mitra said, "It is not wholesale renovation and restoration of Writers' Buildings." The building acquired complete shape by the end of 19th century with the present Greco-Roman look.

However, from the second half of the 20th century in particular, due to reasons of lack of space in an age of expansion of government, there have been many unplanned (and architecturally asymmetrical) additions and alterations.

"The complex is most vulnerable to fire hazards today, and there have already been a few fire incidents in recent years," the chief secretary said. He also said that there were serious problems related to ventilation, lighting, air circulation and energy efficiency besides environmental impact.

PTI