PATNA: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) would soon take up the task of conserving the historic Golghar Patna's 223-year-old landmark.
Termed as a challenging task by ASI experts, this would be the first time the conservation of the fragile interiors of the dome would be undertaken.
Multiple cracks have developed in both the exterior and interior of Golghar, a huge granary built by Captain John Garstin for the British army in 1786 after the great famine of 1770.
"Dozens of big vertical cracks have been detected which need immediate restoration. It will be quite a challenge for us to undertake the conservation work in an enclosed and dark place where there is no outlet for oxygen flow," newly-appointed ASI superintending archaeologist (Patna circle) S K Manjul said.
"We'll have to enagage technical team with oxygen masks to carry out conservation work inside the 97-feet high dome in the absence of any of oxygen flow from outside. The entire area inside the dome is dark and suffocating. A person cannot survive inside for long hours without oxygen masks," Manjul said.
He said during the conservation work, the archaeologists would have to protect the existing structure without any damage. "The work must be handled with care," Manjul said adding that the outer conservation work of the structure will be easier.
The massive structure of this state protected monument is 29-mt high and walls are 3.6-mt wide at the base. Its winding stairway around the monument offers a panoramic view of the city and the Ganga flowing nearby.
Manjul said the stairway of structure also needs repairs.
"During rainy season, the water on the ground also touches its base wall, resulting in damage to the outer wall of the structure," he said.
The four small doors of the Golghar (barely six feet high) at the basement are dangerous.
"We have to ban entry of people to the Golghar premises during the conservation work," he added.
The state government has already released Rs 96 lakh to the ASI to carry out the repairs.
" The restoration work will begin as soon as the money is transferred. It will take at least a year to complete the restoration work," Manjul said.
Source: Times of India,4 October 2009
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