Gateway of Regal Theatre becomes monument of neglect
| Date :28-Aug-2019 |
Gateway of Regal Theatre, a heritage structure, defaced by hawkers and roadside shopkeepers. (Pic by Anil Futane)
By Shirish Borkar : THE historic Gateway of Regal Theatre on Sitabuldi Main Road, a declared heritage structure, seems to have become a monument of neglect. Failure of Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) to clean up the surroundings of frontage of the historical structure on regular basis has upset heritage lovers. Though the edifice is a private property, Heritage Conservation Committee (HCC) has recommended Goel Ganga Group (Builders & Developers) to conserve it on scientific lines being a structure of historical importance in the Second Capital.
However, conservation work of the ancient gateway dating back to Bhonsla period and cleanliness of the surrounding on Sitabuldi Main Road by NMC is yet to take off. Multiple issues are involved in protecting and conserving the structure. Hawkers, beggars, shopkeepers and even citizens who go for shopping on Sitabuldi Main Road litter near the heritage structure. Interference of local leaders obstructs removal of enchroachments from its surrounding area. Goel Ganga Group has decided to start the actual conservation work after the completion of construction work of Glocal Square Mall.
With HCC listing the Gateway of Regal Theatre as a city’s heritage structure, it became a protected monument. The responsibility to restore and maintain the ancient gateway lies with the property owner. Many tourists and heritage lovers go for shopping on Sitabuldi Main Road and see the ancient gateway but are pained to see the dirt in its surroundings and roadside hawkers occupying its frontage. Architect Ashok Mokha, who is a HCC member, said that the committee had already recommended Goel Ganga Group, which is constructing Gocal Mall behind the monument, to conserve the structure.
“They have assured us that the structure will be well maintained as per the conservation norms and techniques,” he added. When contacted, Anup Khandelwal, Vice-President of Goel Ganga Group told ‘The Hitavada’ that actual conservation work would commence after completion of the construction work behind the Regal gate. “The historical Grade-I Heritage Regal Gate of Buty Compound was invisible for decades due to rampant encroachments, banners and obscene posters. We have already removed the encroachments, posters and banners from the structure.
Two-three shops near the Regal gate would be shifted after the construction work is finished,” he added. Khandelwal said, “We are committed to conserve and maintain the structure for future generations considering its archaeological value, design and historical significance. The frontage of Regal gate was often surrounded by hawkers and beggars. They sleep, eat, spit and litter in front of the monument. This annoys the visitors. “Our conservation plans will be implemented once the construction work gets completed. We have deployed security guards to ensure that no miscreant damages the structure and puts up banners or posters on it,” he added. Pramod Gawande, Assistant Director of Town Planning, NMC, said that the HCC recommends or gives permission for conservation to various departments and private organisations under whose jurisdiction the heritage structures fall. The committee comprising architect, structural designer, archaeologist and historian guide in maintenance of the heritage structures and also ensures that these monuments with the owners of the property taking care of the financial side of conservation work.