Colonial building in Lal Quila undergoes renovation

Delhi: A colonial building within the premises of the historic Red Fort, manned by Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) officials, is currently undergoing extensive renovation.

The century-old building is serving as office of Senior Commandant Officer, CISF Unit, Red Fort.

According to a senior official of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Delhi circle, they received a request from the CISF for the maintenance and renovation of the significant building.

“This historic structure has been in a poor condition for quite some time and we have now commenced its restoration,” the official stated.

The official said that work is slated to be completed within a month.

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“Given the building’s age, water seepage was a major problem. To address this, we have removed around 18 inches of debris from the floor so as to adjust concrete, geomembrane and geotextile sheets. This is long lasting and will save it from seepage,” the official said.

He said that the balcony (Chhajja) is being renovated with the use of red stone colour.

“While the old and broken ventilators are being replaced by the new wooden ones, all wooden doors and windows are also being replaced by the new,” he said.

The eight-room building is also undergoing plastering work these days.

“We are using cement, paint and wall putty for the same,” he said.

He said that they are also giving facelift to the external portion of the building.

“After cleaning the outer portion, we are now applying terracotta colouring to enhance its appearance,” he added.

The ASI is also carrying out white-stone flooring in the building.

“The electric work is also in progress,” he said.

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Officials revealed that this building is undergoing renovation for the first time. It is being carried out at an estimated cost of Rs 46 lakh.

The CISF took over security of Red Fort in 2003 after terrorist threats to the historical monument. It was then believed that the fort is on the hit-list of the terrorists.

They took over charge within a fortnight. By then the Army units stationed there had vacated the premises.

There are several other structures in the premises that are under the jurisdiction of CISF and serving as their offices and residence.

Officials said that the CISF office building under renovation was built during the British Raj and served as administrative office for them.

Britishers had also destroyed significant structures within the Red Fort premises to build barracks with the material from the ruins.