After several failed attempts to renovate one of Bengaluru’s oldest heritage structures, there is finally some good news for the 150-year-old Dr. M.H. Marigowda National Horticulture Library on the Lalbagh Botanical Garden premises.
The Department of Horticulture has flagged off conservation work on the building and the job has been entrusted to the Department of Archaeology. “We have sanctioned ₹95 lakh for the restoration,” said P.C. Ray, director, Department of Horticulture.
Built in 1856, the British era building with a carpet area of 10,000 sq. ft, was one of the first structures in Bengaluru to get the heritage tag. It served as the residence of the Lalbagh curator, and horticulture directors including G.H. Krumbiegel, M.H. Mari Gowda and H.C. Javaraya.
“The nearly 7,000 rare books on horticulture the library used to house have now been shifted to facilitate restoration work,” said M. Jagadeesh, joint director, Horticulture, Parks and Gardens, Lalbagh, and termed it one of the major conservation works in the city.
Within six months
The conservation project, expected to be completed within six months, had to get multiple sanctions from various departments. “We have a technical sanction from Karnataka Urban Infrastructure Development Corporation. Prior to this, we got an administrative approval from a special committee of retired personnel representing the Public Works Department, Archaeological Survey of India and Kannada and Culture Department who inspected the building,” said K.B. Akkoji, assistant conservation engineer, Archaeology Department.
Conservation workers have been brought in from Mysuru, and professional sculptors and conservation specialists who have earlier worked on restoration projects for the Archaeology Department are part of the project.
“Nearly a dozen people have started the work. They are removing dilapidated roof tiles that rest on wooden and iron crossbars, and worn out wood of windows, pillars and ceiling rafters,” said Mr. Akkoji.
The restorers will be aided by hundreds of old photographs of the building to retain the old-world charm. New Mangalore roof tiles, lime mortar, and red-oxide flooring will be part of the refurbished building.
“The minimal changes being brought in for value addition will include a central porch opening on either sides with tiled overhangs for people to relax and read, partitions for reading rooms and library stacking, and sensor-based toilets. Our idea is to make this a friendly public space,” said Mr. Akkoji.
Sathyaprakash Varanashi, architect and former INTACH convener, said, “As long as conservation principles are followed with collective ideas coming from experts, the government, and people passionate about heritage, the city will stand to gain.”
