Nagpur: The Heritage Committee on Thursday cleared three proposals relating to the renovation of Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) Town Hall at Mahal, the repairs to the structure at Kasturchand Park (KP) and more importantly the restoration of old glory of Zero Mile Stone.
The three structures were listed in the heritage list of Nagpur and proposals for their renovation were pending since long. As to Zero Mile, finally after directions from Nagpur Bench of Bombay High Court, District Collector released funds for necessary repairs and beautification at the prime heritage spot. The proposal for improvement of the damage caused due to weather and overall neglect at Zero Mile Stone was in pipeline since last 10-years. But nothing moved beyond files as midway Collectorate evinced interest and was keen to rope in builders association who were ready to bear the cost of beautification and renovation.
However, the move could not take off as the Association sought the adjoining vacant land and that somehow was not possible as per rules. A PIL was also pending with the High Court, which pulled up State administration for not acting on the District Collector’s letter seeking funds for preservation of Zero Mile Stone.
Town Hall
The other prime issue that was taken up by Heritage Committee pertained to development of new Town Hall building in Mahal. The Committee debated the issue for quite a long time at its meeting held on Thursday at NMC’s New Administrative Building, Civil Lines, as there were apprehensions that old heritage structure would have to be demolished to make way for swanky new bigger hall.
The meeting was attended by members P S Patankar, Structural Engineer; G M Kazi, Town Planning Department; Anil Rathod, NIT’s Nominee; A D Yalchalwar, Executive Engineer (Project-3), NMC; and Anup Tartekar. Architect Ashok Mokha, as President of the Committee, presided, while Pramod Gawande, Deputy Director, Town Planning, NMC, Member Secretary, was also present.
The engineers of Project Division of NMC informed the Heritage Committee that as per the approved design, the old structure of Town Hall would remain intact. The new building would encompass the old hall, the heritage part, and rest of the structures in the area would be demolished. The Committee while giving go ahead for new Town Hall however desired preservation of old Hall and ensure that its importance is not reduced.
RTMNU old administrative building:
The Heritage Committee also accepted the plan forwarded by Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University (RTMNU) for carrying out necessary repairs to old administrative building at Maharajbagh Square. The roof of the building where Vice Chancellor office was located, and also the other building where Registrar used to sit and meeting hall have seepage issue that has damaged the ceiling. The Committee gave nod for water proofing and repairing walls that was affected due to seepage and.
Kasturchand Park
Similarly the work for restoration of the chhatri (a dome like roof) at the structure in the Kasturchand Park was also cleared by the Committee. The heritage structure needs proper maintenance to ensure that their pristine glory remains intact for years altogether. The district administration has plans for carrying out beautification at Kasturchand Park.
