The denizens of here have opposed the demolition of a 134-year-old building of the Paralakhemundi Municipality. Instead, they have demanded that the heritage building be renovated and a museum be established there.
Notably, Paralakhemundi Municipality is the second oldest civic body in the State. Its office was running from this old building which was constructed in 1885.
However, after the Works Department declared the building as unsafe, a new office building was constructed behind the old building and the office was shifted to the old building two months back.
Senior journalist and social worker Navin Nanda Gantayat had first brought the unsafe building to the attention of the administration.
Gantayat had written to the Executive Officer of the civic body about the dilapidated condition of the building. Following this, the administration took swift measures.
Meanwhile, people from all walks of life, including the intellectuals and senior citizens, have proposed for renovation of the old building and its conversion to a museum.