The Old Secretariat building, a heritage structure that houses the office of Divisional Commissioner and other establishments, is getting a facelift under a special restoration project undertaken by Public Works Department (PWD).The project was conceptualised during the tenure of Prajakta Lavangare Verma as Divisional Commissioner, Nagpur. The project got the Government nod gradually. It was decided that PWD would execute the project under its non-plan head. At present, the work is being executed under the guidance of Vijayalakshmi Bidari, Divisional Commissioner. At present, the heritage structure of the colonial era is undergoing restoration. There are wooden frames surrounding its entrance, labourers doing the allotted work, water tankers deployed to play their roles in the repairs, etc. The project is being executed at a cost of Rs 14 crore. As per the tender, the work is supposed to be completed in 12 months, but the time-frame may be extended if required.

 

According to Abhijit Kuchekar, Executive Engineer, PWD, Division No 1, the project is one of its kind. “Since the roof of the building is old, the restoration project envisions replacing it. Besides, the heritage look of the building is to be maintained. So, we are trying to restore the old glory to the sandstone structure. Further, the broken railings of galleries, flooring and other aspects have been being kept in mind while executing the restoration project,” he told ‘The Hitavada’. The project also has other components such as repairs of the four toilets in the massive building. Apart from repairs, the courtyard in the middle of the building also will get a facelift with restoration of fountain. The project had got the State Government nod in December 2021 when Prajakta Lavangare Verma was the Divisional Commissioner. The Old Secretariat building is said to have been constructed between 1910 and 1916 as Secretariat of Central Provinces. The ground-plan is a quadrangle enclosing a spacious open courtyard.