The chunk of cement that fell from the ceiling of a heritage building missed an octogenarian former Union Minister — a tenant — but has brought to the fore the poor upkeep of the historic structures in the city, mainly due to the absence of proper laws.
Ironically, the 109-year-old Park Mansion on the iconic Park Street had received a prestigious heritage award for restoration of the colonial era structure from the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) and the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) in 2013.
West Bengal Heritage Commission (WBHC) Chairman and artist Shuvaprasanna Bhattacharya said on an average two buildings of heritage value were being destroyed every day in Kolkata, the first capital of colonial India where the British East India Company had set up its base.
“It is unfortunate that in Kolkata, almost two buildings of heritage importance are destroyed every day due to the lack of proper law. I have no idea if the people are aware of this,” Bhattacharya said.
The city has as many as 1,475 heritage buildings. Bhattacharya said due to complex ownership a huge ancestral property, which upholds the city's culture and heritage, remains stuck in legal limbo.
“Due to this, we also cannot take up the property. Some amendments should be made to the existing laws to safeguard the heritage properties. There should be a committee to look after the interest of all the parties,” Bhattacharya said.