Amravati: Dismantling of Amravati’s old railway station building, which had sparked a row, has been stopped from yesterday following public outrage, reliable railway sources confirmed.
Sources in the Railways said the dismantling was ordered by the Central Railway’s Bhusawal Division and the area was barricaded on Aug 20. Despite its protected status, the administration has reportedly begun dismantling the structure, raising serious questions.
The old structure is being dismantled by a private contractor to construct a new building that will house the same railway offices which were earlier located there and have now been shifted to other buildings to facilitate the work.
Former Minister of State Dr Sunil Deshmukh said, “This historic structure, which is included in the state’s heritage list, should not be demolished under any circumstances. He told ToI,” It is an attempt of BJP leaders in govt to dismantle government buildings and gobble up the precious land on lease. Residents say heritage structures are pride of a city. If the administration itself demolishes them, what is the purpose of a Heritage Committee and government orders, they ask. It should be conserved. Amravati MP Balwant Wankhade too opposed the dismantling. With the administration ignoring conservation norms, social organizations and citizens are now preparing for an agitation to save Amravati’s historic identity.