The conservation work of grand colonial Audrey House situated near Governor House is likely to be complete by next month. The Building Construction department is set to handover the building for a cultural hub establishment by the Art and Culture department by May 15.
“We were earlier hoping to finish two year long restoration work by May 10. However, water crisis for the beautification process has delayed our plan. We are now in a position to end the process by May 15,” said Building Construction department Executive Engineer PK Singh.
The Audrey House, which was previously a part of Governor’s secretariat, was given to the State Government for developing to a museum establishment in the memory of first lady Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and freedom fighters of Jharkhand by Governor Dr Syed Ahmed. The Government decided to develop it as a cultural hub.
Since then, Ahmed has been frequently inspecting the step-to-step conservation of the Audrey House. Noted sculpture Amitava Mukherjee along with a private agency Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (Intach) are assisting the state government for the restoration.
Sources at the site on Thursday maintained there are seven halls including the main hall wherein archeological items related to Jharkhand and Indira Gandhi will be displayed. A large open theatre space has also been made for organizing programmes for children and elders.
“About 12 CCTV cameras are being connected in the building with split air conditioners. The wooden floors and walls as well as the boundary of the premises are fire-proof. Plantations in front of the entrance and open theatre are yet to be done,” said a labourer here on the condition of anonymity.
Interestingly, the government has hired around 100 labourers from West Bengal besides few workers from Silli who are expert in working heritage sites.
Official sources believe that the heritage building will be functioning as museum by the end of this year. “The restoration process started due to Governor’s personal interest, who will complete his tenure soon so we hope to begin the cultural hub within his stay,” mentioned an Art and Culture department official.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Raghubar Das held a confidential meeting with Governor Ahmed over the matter today.