MC to restore historic Gandhi Memorial Hall

In a bid to preserve the city’s rich cultural heritage, the Karnal Municipal Corporation (KMC) has decided to restore the 119-year-old Victoria Memorial Hall, later renamed Gandhi Memorial Hall. The decision was taken during a joint meeting of officials from the Haryana Urban Local Bodies Department and the State Archaeology Department.

KMC Commissioner Dr Vaishali Sharma, along with the engineering team, recently inspected the hall to assess its current condition, including the roof and surrounding premises. She directed officials to prepare a restoration plan and cost estimate in line with conservation norms, stressing that the original structure must remain intact.

Dr Sharma emphasised the need for high-quality repairs, including masonry work, lintel coating, painting, landscaping, restoration of doors and windows, tiling and installation of aesthetic and focused lighting. She also instructed that any additional necessary work be included in the restoration proposal. “This hall is a heritage site for Karnal and its preservation is vital for educating future generations about history,” she said.

Executive Engineer (XEN) Saurabh Goyal has been tasked with highlighting the hall’s historical significance within the premises to help visitors engage with its legacy. “I visited the hall and instructed the engineering wing to finalise the renovation cost estimates thoroughly before submitting them to the Directorate of Urban Local Bodies,” Dr Sharma added.

Originally built in 1906 to honour Queen Victoria, the hall was renamed Gandhi Memorial Hall after a condolence meeting held there following Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination in 1948. The structure is known for its unique architectural blend of Indian, Islamic, and European styles, featuring four porticoes and a pillared veranda.

Years of neglect had led to its deterioration, prompting the Punjab and Haryana High Court in 2013 to direct the state government to restore the building in accordance with Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) guidelines. The Haryana Archaeology and Museum Department later declared it a state-protected monument and carried out initial renovation works, including historical displays. Several valuable artifacts from the hall were earlier relocated to museums. The building had also briefly served as the District Public Relations office.

Despite its central location near Committee Chowk, the hall had become obscured over time. An entry gate was constructed under the Smart City project in 2021 to improve its visibility.