Old building’s replica ready for ministers’ cabin

Nagpur, Oct 19

The work is in final phase to give a new look to Vidhan Bhavan complex amid protest to hold the winter session of the state legislature in Nagpur due to Covid-19 pandemic. The replica of old building is ready for ministers’ cabin. Constructed at the cost of Rs 10.83 crore, the cabins of 12 ministers in this building will be ultra modern. In the upper floor canteen has been made.

The old building of Vidhan Bhavan which was constructed in British concept in 1917, has the status of heritage building. New building was constructed as an extension to this building. Its design and bricks used in it are just like old building. The height of both the building is equal. Hence there sis no difference from outside. However, the new building has three floors while the old building has two floors. There are six cabins each in its ground floor and first floor. On the second floor, a canteen has been prepared for ministers and legislators. There are separate kitchens for non-vegetarian and vegetarian food. A separate canteen has also been prepared for breakfast. Of the 12 cabins built here, 8 cabins are about 320 square feet. There are also anti-chambers for ministers. The remaining 4 cabins are designed in an area of 200 square feet with no anti-chamber.

The work of this building, prepared by the Legislative Secretariat, was started by the Public Works Department (PWD) in December 2018. It was to be completed in August 2019. But due to the changes in architectural design, lack of funds and the Covid-19 crisis, its work is now being completed.

Vehicles sent to Rajasthan to bring workers

Stones were brought from Adasa to make this building a replica of the old building. Lakhori (Nanakshahi) bricks of Balaghat were used. Workers had to be brought from Rajasthan to work for stone work. These workers went back as the Covid infection increased. PWD had to send vehicles from Nagpur to bring them back. The sarpanch and local people''s representatives were not ready to send the workers. After convincing them somehow, the workers were brought back to Nagpur.

Extension of Vidhan Bhavan

Building When constructed

Old building 1910-17

Annexe 1970-74

Vidhan Sabha building1993

New building 2018-20