Mumbai: JJ College of Architecture to restore Kipling Bungalow

The Directorate of Archaeology and Museums had taken up the restoration work back in February 2016 and had spent Rs 4.5 crore on strengthening the building foundation. File pics

After running into long delays, the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums has decided to hand over the 137-year-old Kipling Bungalow back to JJ College of Architecture later this month. Restoration work of the protected monument, which was halted due to lack of funds, will now be undertaken by the college administration.

The Directorate of Archaeology and Museums had taken up the restoration work back in February 2016 and had spent Rs 4.5 crore on strengthening the building's foundation. While majority of the structural repairs had been carried out, landscaping, electrical installation and tiling work of the upper floor was pending, since they had run out funds. An official from the Directorate said a fresh estimate was submitted last year, and barring the landscaping work, tiling and electrical installation would have cost around Rs 27 lakh.

Dr Tejas Garge, director of the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums said they were not able to carry out the remaining restoration work as no additional funds were released. Garge said that based on directions from principal secretary (Culture), Bhushan Gagrani, they were ready to hand over the bungalow to JJ College. "The landscaping work will be assigned to the Public Works Department. We will send them the designs we have prepared. After the bungalow is handed over to JJ College, they can carry out the remaining work provided they follow our conditions," added Garge.

A letter was sent to JJ College on January 20, which outlined certain conditions for carrying out further repairs and using the space for recreational activities. "If JJ College wants to carry out the remaining work, they will have to take approval and technical sanctions from us. They will also have to use the services of our empanelled architect and contractor," said Garge. Other conditions include that the bungalow cannot be used for any political events and advertising boards cannot be put up on the structure. The letter also mentions that since the structure is made largely out of wood, no cooking or eating will be allowed inside. As part of future repair or maintenance work, no nails, oil paints or structural alterations like extensions or demolition of any part will be allowed.

Rajiv Mishra, principal of JJ College of Architecture, said that they are planning to complete the remaining restoration work. "We will apply for funds from the Secretary of Education and complete the work once the bungalow is handed over to us," he said.

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