The National Museum of Natural History that was housed on three floors of the FICCI Building at Mandi House was gutted in a fire that broke out in the wee hours of Tuesday. While the cause for the fire and extent damage is still being assessed reports suggest that the museum’s collection has been lost.
It was home to an extensive collection of artefacts that showcased the origins of life on earth, its continuation and the need to protect endangered species. More recently, it has been organising events to sensitise students and make them voice their views on global warming and climate change.
The museum has specimens of various types of flora and fauna found in the country and a major part of the museum was dedicated to the herpetological specimens of reptiles and preserved butterflies and fossils.
The museum was a favourite with school children who visited the theme-based galleries on geology, botany and zoology and had access to experiential resource centres like the Discovery Room, Activity Room and attended talks and seminars that were conducted as a part of the museum’s outreach activities.
Reaching the spot to review the situation, Prakash Javadekar, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Environment, Forest and Climate Change said that it was a tragic incident as the Natural History Museum is a national treasure. The Minister announced that he has ordered a fire safety audit of all museums across the country. “We have 34 museums across the country, have ordered a fire audit of all establishments,” he stated.
Set up in 1978 as a part of India’s Silver Jubilee Celebration, it was established at rented premises that was the FICCI Building and is under the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Government of India.
