The restoration of the 187-year-old St James Church at Kashmere Gate, which has been ongoing for nearly the last six months, will be completed by June 30, officials said following a stock-taking visit to the heritage structure by Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Saturday. While inspecting the renovation work of the church, Saxena instructed officials to strictly ensure that the originality of the heritage structure was retained while curation and restoration took place. Also known as Skinner's Church after James Skinner, an East India Company officer, the St. James’ Church is known to be the official church of the British Viceroy of India in Delhi and is one of the oldest in the city. Meanwhile, Saxena approved the transfer of 2,790 sqm of land at Keshopur from Irrigation & Flood Control (I&FC) Department to the DMRC, paving the way for the Janakpuri to Majlis Park Corridor of the Delhi Metro's Phase-IV. Following his approval, the DMRC will be able to construct the Station Building, station column and entry-exit structure on 1852.3 sq.mtr of land, while 937.5 sq.mtr of land will be used by DMRC on temporary basis for use as working area for the construction of the station. During his visit to St. James' Church, the LG also stressed that the building and its vicinity should be developed in such a way that it becomes a prominent landmark in the city, as it once used to be. L-G House officials said the DDA officials concerned had ensured Saxena that renovation work would be complete by June 30 following which the building would be handed over to the Church management. Saxena also visited the Election Museum which is located inside the office of the Chief Electoral Officer in the Old St. Stephen’s College Building at Kashmere Gate where he appreciated efforts in establishing the museum which depicts the journey of Indian elections.
