CPWD to restore North Block to its original 1931 glory, removing modern additions and preserving antique pieces

The restoration project would be carried out on the basis of a report submitted by the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), Bhopal, the sources said. The SPA team studied the building’s original plans and archival photos as a part of its work, they said. An inventory of the furniture in the building has also been prepared so the antique pieces may be preserved or used in the National Museum, which is proposed to be moved to North and South Blocks as a part of the Central Vista redevelopment.

While the work on the ground will only start next year when the building is emptied, the preparations have begun, as per sources. The CPWD is in the process of obtaining all the statutory clearances necessary. One such clearance, of the Heritage Conservation Committee, was granted on October 24.

The HCC, as per the minutes of the meeting, told the CPWD to make sure that the repair and restoration work is done in a manner that maintains the “originality of existing heritage building in terms of character, construction, colour, form, materials etc. and no external intervention is allowed including heat resistant paint on the terrace”.

The committee asked the CPWD to ensure the structural safety of the building. According to the project report submitted by the CPWD, the “restoration and comprehensive repairs” of North Block “shall contribute all necessary action and interventions taken to prolong its lifespan; prevent it damage and deterioration; minimise the impact of external agents of decay and intervention on the building and its material and prepare for natural and human induced disasters. All efforts shall be made to restore the North Block, retaining its values and significance, authenticity and interventions, and visual connection to and from the structure….”

The restoration work can only begin when the offices operating from North Block are shifted to the new Common Central Secretariat (CSS) buildings that are under-construction. Sources say the three CCS buildings are likely to be completed by March or April 2025.