The heritage building of Deccan College Post Graduate & Research Institute, one of the oldest educational institutes in the country, is all set to get a facelift. The broken galleries and stained corridors at the building constructed in Neo-Gothic style will now be history as the repair work finally started this week after a two-year delay. The institute hopes to complete the repair work in three months.
DNA, in its report, 'Deccan College repairs to begin after 2-year delay' on March 10, had highlighted the neglect of the Grade I heritage structure.
Preventing water leakage, which has defaced the walls and corridors, is the priority.
The main hall of the heritage building, which wore a shabby look, is being redone.
The main building of the institute, a Grade I heritage structure, was constructed in 1864. Stalwarts like RG Bhandarkar, Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, RD Ranade have been associated with this premier educational institute. The University Grants Commission has sanctioned funds of Rs30 lakh for the restoration of the building.
Earlier, the authorities faced problem in drawing the estimate for the repair work and in locating the right contractor with a good knowledge of carrying out restoration of a heritage building.
However, they found a suitable person last month and the work began this week. Well-known conservation architect, Kiran Kalamdani, is supervising the restoration work.
Kalamdani said, “We are working on the water leakage which is damaging the roof, walls and wooden interiors. Apart from this, the restoration of broken balconies has also started. We have taken up immediate and urgent repair work on priority basis.”
Although the restoration of the entire building will need a lot more money than the fund available, he felt that the fund has to be used to stop further damage of the building.
