Spread over nearly 12 acres on the banks of the Ganga, the complex has several buildings built over a period spanning more than two centuries. The old record room and few other structures belong to the Dutch era and are endowed with unique architecture of that period.
Kolkata-based conservation architect Manish Chakraborti, currently working on extensive architectural restoration projects in West Bengal's old Danish town Serampore, says, "Patna is a historic city and the government must explore ways to showcase its heritage instead of condemning it to oblivion."
The Bihar government has decided to raze the iconic buildings to replace them with a high-rise complex, citing their "poor condition" and space requirements. Patna Commissioner Anand Kishor has claimed that parts of the roof of the buildings have been damaged rendering the place unsafe.
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"Even if the entire roof was falling, the building should still be preserved. In Olav's Church case the entire roof was falling as it had been damaged by termite, but we redid the entire roof. We must reconcile conservation with development. And, we have all the expertise we need for such holistic projects, why rush to demolition and rob one of one's own history," he said.
Former Additional Director General of ASI, B R Mani says,
"Such buildings should get protection at local level under some municipal heritage law."
"It is history and must be preserved, there can't be two opinions. But, buildings like Collectorate are getting exposed to wrecking ball because they are historic but not listed or notified under any law. Cities like Mumbai or Kolkata or even Delhi has provisions where such landmark and even private mansions and havelis are protected.