AC Joshi Library seeks Rs 70L for conservation

Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, October 17

Crying for attention, AC Joshi Library at Panjab University (PU) is seeking Rs70 lakh for preparing its conservation plan.

The heritage building, built at a cost of Rs25 lakh, is said to be the first concrete cement structure of the city. First Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru inaugurated it in 1963.

Dr Manish Sharma, who is also helping restoration of Gandhi Bhawan, said the analytical study of structural stability by experts and other conservation work to be undertaken would require around Rs70 lakh. “A total of 10 original drawings of the building need to be conserved and for which, Rs50,000 per drawing is required,” he added.

The roof top of the library is suffering from leakage, flooring of the building is deteriorating, the fifth floor that was designed as an exhibition hall needs renovation for proper utilisation and wiring needs to be changed.

There is a need for the restoration of a pool as it has developed cracks. Besides, parking areas on both sides and masonry items, lawns and vegetations, and provision for additional outdoor lighting to cover all sides are crying for repairs.

Refurbishing and making the water body inside the building near staircase functional are also on the agenda.

French architect Monsieur P. Jeanneret in collaboration with university architect BP Mathur and BS Kesavan, a library expert, and librarian Dr J S Sharma had prepared the architectural plan.

The library has a square-shaped building. The orientation of the building is east-west diagonally, allowing adequate sunlight in the reading areas.

The sun breakers at the northern façade, the five projected balconies symmetrically one above the other at the south façade are symbolic of Chandigarh architecture.