Capitol Complex returns to its original look

Ramkrishan Upadhyay

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Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 25

More than 60 years after the buildings and the monuments were designed by famous architect Le Corbusier, the Capitol Complex has returned to its original look. For the engineering department of the UT Administration, the task of restoration of the buildings was not easy. However, with the strenuous efforts and the help of experts, the buildings have now returned to their original look.

The restoration work of the buildings was started soon after UNESCO had declared the Capitol Complex as the World Heritage Site. The iconic three buildings of the Capitol Complex — secretariat, legislative assembly and the Punjab and Haryana High Court — were constructed between years 1955 and 1958.

Extreme weather conditions decayed and deteriorated the concrete on the outer side of the buildings over the years. The surface had become black and cracks had developed at many places. But now the concrete on the surface has been cleaned. The Tower of Shadow and Martyr’s Memorial have also been cleaned and repaired.

The Plaza has also been restored. Justin, a visitor from the UK, said it was wonderful experience to see the restoration work at the heritage site. He said the buildings should be maintained to keep their original look.

Mukesh Anand, a special secretary of the engineering department, said, “The restoration work at the outer side of the buildings has been almost completed. A majority of encroachment in the secretariat buildings has also been removed.” He said the remaining work would be completed within two to three months. The Administration has spent approximately Rs 5 crore on the restoration work. It had selected a Mumbai-based heritage architect, Abha Narian Lambah, to prepare the conservation and management plan for the Capitol Complex after it was declared as the World Heritage Site by UNESCO. She had made recommendations for the restoration of the buildings after examining the original drawings and the pictures.

Fact file

The restoration work of the buildings was started soon after UNESCO declared the Capitol Complex a world heritage site.

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