The revamp project for the 157-year-old Lala Hardyal Municipal Library, a heritage institution, has finally been given a go-ahead. North Delhi Municipal Corporation, its parent body, has issued tenders for the Rs 1.5-crore first phase, which is expected to be over in 12 months. The project is being carried out on the basis of a detailed conservation report prepared by Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage. 

Rekha Sinha, the Burari councillor and honorary secretary of the library, said the project would utilise the Rs 3-crore corpus funds provided by the lieutenant governor’s office. “The project involves modification and renovation of the structure. The old books are also to be preserved and the entire catalogue will be computerised,” she said. The digitsation of Mughal-era texts and rare books is also on the card. 

The complex, located behind the Town Hall in Chandni Chowk, has been divided into three parts. “To ensure that daily functioning is not impacted, the project will be carried out only in one part at one time,” Sinha said. Though 12 months have been earmarked for the first phase, it is expected to be over in 250 days, she added. 

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The present building was constructed between 1861 and 1866. “The heritage structure will not be touched. The work involves slight modification of walls, electricity lines, flooring, fire system, closing leakages and replacing furniture,” Sinha said.