Writers’ Buildings
A preliminary assessment has indicated that the restoration could cost Rs 100-120 crore, which the Adani Group may consider funding under its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative, sources said. Writers’ Buildings ceased to be the principal seat of the state govt in 2013, when the then Trinamool govt shifted the secretariat to Nabanna. But 13 years later, Nabanna continues to house the state secretariat, while restoration work at Writers’ has progressed slowly.
CM Suvendu Adhikari had requested the Adani Group to undertake the renovation and reimagining of Writers’, with the aim of restoring its heritage character and administrative grandeur, according to state govt sources. Administrative sources said any restoration would require the necessary statutory approvals and consultations with conservation and architectural experts. If the Adani Group’s proposal is accepted, the project will have to adhere to heritage conservation norms, they said.
PWD chief engineer and his team, accompanied by Sanjay Thade, a retired IAS officer and adviser to the Adani Group, inspected the building to assess its present condition, structural issues and the likely scope of restoration. The inspection is expected to form the basis of a detailed restoration proposal. The move comes against the backdrop of the BJP govt’s stated intention to bring the state administration back to Writers’ Buildings. Soon after coming to power, the govt expressed its desire to restore the iconic building as the nerve centre of Bengal’s administration. The move was initially described as a temporary arrangement, with the administration expected to return to Writers’ after restoration.