KMC panel reviews La Martiniere bldg restoration plans
Times of India | 4 June 2025
Kolkata: The Heritage Conservation Committee of KMC met on Tuesday to deliberate on the application for repair and renovation it received from La Martiniere School. They aimed to prepare a report based on the condition of the heritage buildings in the school compound, which they inspected on Monday.Sources said that while the civic officials were amenable to the request, they needed further clarity on renovation at the twin grade-I heritage properties. "We have seen water seepage from the roof and the damp walls. These will require repair, and we have no objection to such work. But if there is other renovation work that goes beyond the definition of repair and restoration, the school management will have to provide details of the scope of work," an official told TOI.The main buildings in both the boys' and girls' schools were constructed in the 1830s. Members of the West Bengal Heritage Commission, who were also present during the inspection on Monday, were more receptive to the need for regular repair and upkeep of the nearly two-century-old buildings. "Buildings of this age require constant upkeep. While waterproofing and damp treatment is a constant challenge, some parts of the buildings will need propping up. Wooden beams that have worn out will have to be replaced by steel joists," said Commission project committee member Partha Ranjan Das, who is an empanelled restoration architect with KMC and is advising the school on how to go about the repair and restoration work.He also felt the KMC Heritage Conservation Committee needed to act as a facilitator. "New-age materials are now available for better waterproofing and restoration. Civic officials must also allow the buildings to be repaired thoroughly," he said.