Days after the 100-year-old Krumbiegel Hall inside Lalbagh Botanical Garden was razed to the ground, the Horticulture Department and the State Archaeology Department are planning to rebuild the heritage structure in its original style.

“A decision has been taken to build a new structure based on the old building. The project will be funded by the Horticulture Department and executed by the Archaeology Department,” said M. Jagadeesh, joint director, Horticulture, Parks and Gardens.

The Archaeology Department is creating a plan for the new building and will give a budget estimate to the Horticulture Department, after which the funds will be released. Meera Iyer, co-convener of INTACH, suggested that instead of replicating the design, the department could hold a competition for city-based architects to design a building that is a fitting tribute. “It is essential to have expert opinion in such an important garden. It’s a public garden, not a private fiefdom,” she said.

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