Historic Building In Prayagraj Undergoing Heritage Renovation For Maha Kumbh 2025

In preparation for Maha Kumbh 2025, the Uttar Pradesh government is restoring a 150-year-old heritage building in Prayagraj, blending grandeur with cultural preservation.

The structure, situated on the Prayagraj Municipal Corporation campus, will be ready ahead of the festival to showcase the city’s historical legacy.

Originally constructed in 1865 during the British era as the ‘Great Northern’ hotel, the building later served as the Municipal Corporation office.

It has been an iconic landmark, reflecting Prayagraj’s deep historical and cultural significance.

Heritage Preservation With Rs 9 Crore Investment

The renovation project, costing Rs 9 crore, aims to retain its architectural charm while restoring its historical essence.

Municipal Commissioner Chandra Mohan Garg emphasized the importance of preserving the building as a symbol of the city’s heritage.

Savani Heritage from Mumbai is undertaking the renovation, expected to conclude by December 2024.

The structure holds historical importance, having hosted meetings of freedom movement intellectuals before being repurposed by the British as an administrative office in the 1930s.

In 2020, concerns over its deteriorating condition, including a collapsed ceiling, sparked discussions about demolition.

However, after consultations with ASI, MNIT Prayagraj, and IIT Mumbai, experts recommended preserving it as a heritage site.

Remarkably, the renovation employs traditional materials such as lime, surkhi, jaggery, urad dal, and fenugreek, mirroring the original eco-friendly construction methods.

The officials are removing previous modern additions, like cement plaster and floor tiles, to restore the building’s authenticity.

This approach also ensures natural cooling, reducing reliance on air conditioning.

Advisor Suraj VS from the Civil Engineering Department highlighted the meticulous efforts to restore the building’s original structure, including the use of lime sourced from Katni, Madhya Pradesh.

Jitesh Patel of Savani Heritage stated that the officials will install façade lighting after the restoration, enhancing its visual appeal for tourists.

Interestingly, the building also housed the Prayagraj Museum in the past, with remnants of its museum days still visible.

This restoration project will allow visitors during the Maha Kumbh to experience a piece of Prayagraj’s storied past in its rejuvenated form.

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