Is iconic Writers Buildings in Kolkata losing its grace?

Writers’ Buildings, the iconic construction in the heart of central Kolkata had been witness to several historical events. This former state secretariat of West Bengal, where from all chief ministers starting from Prafulla Chandra Ghosh to Mamata Banerjee operated once, is now in a dilapidated state. Not even 50% of renovation work completed in last eight years with deadlines regularly lapsing.

Kolkata:Writers’ Buildings, theiconicconstruction in the heart of central Kolkata had been witness to several historical events. This former state secretariat of West Bengal, where from all chief ministers starting from Prafulla Chandra Ghosh to Mamata Banerjee operated once, is now in a dilapidated state. Writers’ Buildings have witnessed several changes of regime starting from Congress to United Front to Left Front and finally to that of Trinamool Congress.

The deadline for renovation has missed the deadlines again and again and there had been a massive time and cost overrun. Where is the future of this heritage building of Kolkata heading to? ETV Bharat tries to get some answers.

After bringing an end to the 34- year long Left Front rule in 2011, Mamata Banerjee started operating from this Writers’ Buildings. Soon after that she decided to renovate this century- old construction and shifted the state headquarters to Nabanna located across Vidyasagar Bridge at Mandirtala in Howrah district. Currently, the renovation work of Writers’ Buildings is on. But, almost eight years have passed since that renovation work has started, not even 50% of the renovation work has been completed as yet.

According to historical records, in the year 1776, construction of Writers’ Buildings started opposite to famous Laldighi water-body to house the clerks and writers of the East India Company and hence the name Writers’ Buildings. The construction work continued from 1777 to 1780. After that there were period extensions of the constructions during the years of 1821, 1889 and finally in 1906.

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Since independence Writers; Buildings was the state secretariat of West Bengal government, On August 8, 2013 it was shifted to Nabanna in Howrah district. There was a time when entry to Writers' Building was really difficult for common people because of the tight security arrangements. Barring special permissions from the ministers and bureaucrats none were allowed to step in Writers’ Buildings.

However, the regular scene of security arrangement is no more visible there and the restrictions relating to entry of common people have also been relaxed substantially. Most of the entry gates to Writers’ Buildings are closed. Some ministers who still operated from Writers; Buildings, but not a regular basis, bureaucrats and limited staff deputed there used Gate number 6 for entry and exit. Since the chief minister herself operates from Nabanna, there has been a laxity in the security arrangement at Writers’ Buildings.

However, those ministers who still operate partially from Writers’ Buildings do that out of nostalgia. Just for example although the office of the state minority affairs department is at Nabanna currently, but its minister gives some time in operating from his old office in Writers’ Buildings. He interacts with the common from there.

The state law minister, Malaya Ghatak still maintains an office in this iconic building. Some sections of his department also operate from there.

The current transport minister, Firhad Hakim, during his earlier tenure as the state municipal affairs and urban development minister, used to operate twice a day from Writers; Buildings. But still as a transport minister now he frequently operates from Writers’ Buildings. The minister of state for labour department, Becharam Manna, minister of state for health, Chandrima Bhattacharya too have not got over their nostalgia over Writers’ Buildings as yet. The bureaucrats’ service record department too operates from here still.

However, since the major part of the renovation is yet to be completed, the question automatically arises on whether this 250 year iconic building constructed by the British will ever get back with its old busy ambiance.

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