Patna: After civil society, conservation architects have joined the growing chorus against the proposed demolition of the 200-year-old Patna Collectorate building, saying the structure can be restored and the country has skills required for it.

Spread over nearly 12 acres on the banks of the Ganga, the complex has several buildings built over a period spanning more than two centuries. The old record room and few other structures belong to the Dutch era and are endowed with unique architecture of that period.

Kolkata-based conservation architect Manish Chakraborti, currently working on extensive architectural restoration projects in West Bengal's old Danish town Serampore, says, "Patna is a historic city and the government must explore ways to showcase its heritage instead of condemning it to oblivion."

"It's an architectural asset and part of not just Dutch or British history but also Patna's own history and dismantling it would mean erasing a great chapter of the city's past," he said.

Bihar government has decided to raze the iconic buildings to replace them with a high-rise complex, citing their "poor condition" and space requirements. Patna Commissioner Anand Kishor has claimed that parts of the roof of the buildings have been damaged rendering the place unsafe. Chakraborti counters the argument, saying, "Just because part of roof is falling doesn't mean you knock down the entire building. Such policymaking reflects myopic vision."

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Eminent historians, architects and former judges had on April 6 urged Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar to prevent the collectorate building's dismantling and go for restoration. Dutch government, too, has made a fervent plea to him to not demolish this "shared built heritage" and list it under the state archaeology department.

An online civil society-driven campaign, 'Save Historic Patna Collectorate', has also appealed to the government to restore it.