Dear friends,
I have never asked anyone of you ever to like a picture or comment on a post on Facebook, but now I need your help, as we are surmounted with bad news. As some of you may be aware of the Bihar government’s decision to dismantle the centuries-old iconic Collectorate Buildings on the Ganga riverbank in Patna to replace them with a high-rise complex which incidentally would also practi
cally cut the access of people to the eponymous Collectorate Ghat. The historic Collectorate, parts of which are remnants of Dutch architecture to which the British later added on to subsequently, stand as a sentinel of time. With high ceilings and hanging skylights, the buildings are a unique specimen of architecture carrying a history of over 200 years within its walls. And, alongside Patna College’s main administration building and the remains of the opium godown in Gulzarbagh, the three comprise the last surviving signatures of Dutch history of Patna. The move therefore has shocked not just several scholars, historians, architects but commoners too, both in and out of Patna and Bihar,
Some of us heritage lovers, soon after the government’s decision have been endeavouring to devise ways to thwart this attempt to bulldoze city’s history with an ultimate aim to see its restoration and preservation as a city landmark. The fight is not easy and besides people from Patna, living in and out of the capital city, we seek support from those living in other parts of Bihar and outside and also from people from outside of Bihar. If you care for history and heritage please show your support in our endeavour to save this heritage for the future. Incidentally, besides its history of several centuries and unique architecture, the Record Room and parts of the DM Office were used during the shooting of the Oscar-winning film ‘Gandhi’. It is therefore sad to see that instead of using this as a hook to attract tourists, the government is hell-bent on knocking it down. A similar attempt was made in 2011 also but due to opposition from several quarters including INTACH and employees of the District Board Patna, who took the matter to the court, the decision was stalled. But, now once again the hammer dangles over this iconic heritage and it is my fervent appeal on behalf of all concerned people of Patna to support our fight. Heritage body, INTACH, both Patna Chapter and Delhi headquarters have thrown their weight behind this effort, and are now fighting the battle for us. I held several rounds of meeting with their senior officials including the INTACH chairman, all of whom are shocked by the decision taken in much haste and with little regard for history. You can show your support by liking the ‘Save Patna Collectorate’ page and by liking, commenting on this post/campaign page with your viewpoints and sharing this with as many people as possible. We are collecting names of people who support out fight which would be eventually sent to the Bihar chief minister and other top officials along with a letter of appeal on behalf of the people of Patna. Several well-known persons, including noted historians Narayani Gupta and Surendra Gopal, former judges and bureaucrats, advocates, doctors, and others have already pledged their support to our fight. We, therefore appeal to one and all to join us in saving this beautiful heritage in need of restoration from this mindless decision taken without much prudence. The move will set a very bad precedent and will further endanger the fate of the rest of heritage buildings, not just in Patna but also in rest of Bihar, as there is currently no law to protect structures that do not fall under either the ASI or the state archaeology. Please show your support fast as we are racing against time and bulldozers may be waiting in the yards. I have included few pictures of the Collectorate on the campaign page. On behalf of all heritage lovers in Patna,
Sincerely,
Founder, Save Historic Patna Collectorate
