It is quite amazing that there are no Indian states - be they small or big that do not have have strong foot prints of British presence. They may be in the form of collector's building. court building or sub court building or even Thasildars' office buildings, besides Dak houses, etc.
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| British era building, Jumboo Is. Odisha telegraphindia.com |
Across India there are countless such colonial structures. many of which are being used by the governments - both Central and State, but the rest are left uncared for. At least, such structures can be barricaded to avoid misuse by vandals and trespassers. Carrying out simple repair works such as clearing growth of wild bushes, plants, etc and plugging the cracks. will help the damaged building a lot. In a country like ours useless redundant and bureaucratic regulations are in force and such a simple work is time-consuming. States like West Bengal and Kerala and to some extent Tamil Nadu and Karnataka are taking steps to boost tourism and conserve the old structures retaining their heritage values.
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| Jumboo Island, Odisha. mongabay.com |
Few years ago in 2018 the Odisha government made a proposal to renovate the British-era building on Jamboo island as part of Tourism developments. This project was to be undertaken under the World Bank-funded Integrated Coastal Zone Management Program (ICZMP).
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| Colonial building, Odisha. anantanarayanswain.blogspot.com/ |
Located in Kendrapara district, this once a majestic colonial structure is in a bad shape - dilapidation writ on all sides, with no wall plastering vegetation and plants grow inside and outside the walls in many places. It is further accentuated during the heavy NE monsoon season every year. Persistent sea-air with salt in the atmosphere is another culprit damaging the structure. It looked as if it would fall at any time. The vagarious of weather along with monsoon rains had taken a heavy toll on structure's ceiling and the outer walls. That it has stood the test of time suggests that its foundation is very strong.
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| Colonial building, Odisha. anantanarayanswain.blogspot.com |
The structure in a serene and idyllic location was built in the early part of the 20th century to help the navigators rest during their respite. Already a detailed plan was drawn up and it is believed that this place would become an important destination for the fun-loving tourist, further the local people would get all the benefits.. "Jamboo is a colonial heritage site which has not been showcased properly till date. We are hopeful that heritage tourism would grow with the refurbishment of the dilapidated building," official said.
The official pointed out, if successfully implemented, this project would be just like 'the near-by ''Hukitola'' colonial building that had been conserved under ICZMP-funded project. The latter is attracting lots of a eco-tourism destination. The Tourism official strongly pins his hops on the Jamboo project that has all the requirements of potential eco-tourism spot. It means more tourists will visit this place to be in a new eco friendly environment free from the din of urban and semi urban.
As the structure is crumbling with walls having become weakened, meticulous care must be taken to retain the original British structural design without deviation. Archaeologists were concerned about retention of colonial features.
Though more than three years have gone by since the announcement was made officially by the Odisha government about the conservation of the British structure on the Jumboo Island, it seems, no action is forthcoming. Is it in the cold storage? Tardy government regulations and unwanted paperwork do not augur well for the government.
https://www.telegraphindia.com/odisha/british-era-building-to-be-renovated/cid/1310315
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