Kolkata :
A heritage building that had been granted the highest degree of protection to conserve its historical and architectural value was being systematically destroyed on the sly till locals alerted Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) authorities. The latter has filed an FIR. Involvement of local politicians, musclemen and a section of police are suspected.
Located between Howrah bridge and Nimtala Ghat, Moribund House on 65/2 Strand Road is a 19th century single storey mansion with Roman Tuscan columns. It was once part of Rani Rashmoni Estate and was registered in the name of her husband Rajchandra Das. It was in this mansion that filmmaker Goutam Ghose shot a portion of the 1988 National Award winning film ‘Antarjali Jatra’.
Listed as Grade I heritage structure by KMC in 2009, no external change is permissible in the building. The grading also restricts the building’s use. But the building has fallen into disrepair following years of neglect. It would have been ground to dust had not KMC acted promptly following a tip-off. The compound had been shuttered by corrugated sheets to allow the demolition.
When TOI visited the building, it was in absolute ruins with evidence of fresh destruction everywhere. At least two columns lay in pieces on floor. Another was being hammered down when a visit by the police team following the KMC complaint forced a cease-work. Parts of the wall and roof have also been systematically pulled down to trigger a collapse of the entire structure.
The project management unit of KMC that oversees heritage buildings in the city filed a general diary (GD-PMU/108 15-16) with Jorabagan police station on August 25, 2015. In the complaint, the civic authority stated that the Grade I heritage building was being intentionally demolished.
“It is reported from local people that the house is being intentionally and systematically damaged by persons staying there which is illegal and unlawful. Please take necessary steps and keep strict vigil to prevent any sort of damage to the historical and heritage structure. This may be treated as FIR,” the complaint by the KMC PMU department stated.
The manner in which the demolition was being carried out pointed to the involvement of local politicians and musclemen. A few locals also hinted as much saying reputable builders would not have dared to act in that manner and get incriminated. The involvement of local cops is not ruled out wither. When TOI visited the police station, the cops initially feigned ignorance about the threat to any heritage building under its jurisdiction and acknowledged only when confronted with all details.
“I am totally disgusted at the state of affairs. We just had one Grade 1 building, the Ghoolam Rasul Mosque on Shamsul Huda Road, demolished without a murmur. No action was taken against anyone. Now, a second Grade I listed building is being demolished. At least some visible action should be taken,” said heritage activist GM Kapur.
Mayor Sovan Chatterjee has asked the KMC officials to keep a strict vigil on the building. “No one has the right to alter anything in a Grade-I heritage building, leave alone pulling it down. We have lodged a complaint. Let police investigate who are the culprits,” he said.
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City> Kolkata / by Saikat Ray & Subhro Niyogi, TNN / September 04th, 2015