Arjun Singh questions delay in Writer's building restoration, raises concerns over sale of historic sites

The Writers' Building in Kolkata, a historic structure over 250 years old, has become a focal point of discussion regarding its restoration and future. Originally built during the British colonial period, the building served as the administrative headquarters of the West Bengal government until 2013, when the state government moved its offices to Nabanna, a more modern facility. Writers' Building has since stood largely vacant, with no significant government functions being carried out there.

Renovation work on the building began after the government’s departure, but progress has been slow. Despite initial announcements regarding the restoration of this heritage building, reports indicate that work has come to a standstill for over a year following the demolition of parts of the structure. The restoration was initially planned to maintain the building’s historical essence while modernizing it for new uses, but little progress has been made in recent years.

The Writers' Building is considered one of Kolkata’s most significant colonial-era structures. As one of the city’s prominent heritage sites, it has witnessed several key moments in West Bengal's political history. The building served as the office of notable Chief Ministers like Jyoti Basu and Buddhadeb Bhattacharya and remains a symbol of the state’s political legacy. Despite its historical importance, the building's future remains uncertain due to the halted renovation work and lack of clear government plans for its use.

In addition to the Writers' Building, the Alipore Central Jail, another prominent heritage site in Kolkata, has also become the subject of debate. The jail, which was operational for over 150 years, was relocated to Baruipur, a suburban area of Kolkata, as part of a modernization plan. Following the relocation, questions have arisen about the sale of the land where the jail was situated. The Alipore Jail land, which spans several acres, has raised concerns about its future use, with no clear information about who purchased the land or the terms of the sale.

The state government has yet to provide an official response to the concerns raised regarding both the Writers' Building and the Alipore Jail. The delay in restoration and the lack of transparency surrounding the sale of historic properties have led to calls for clearer answers from the authorities. Preservationists and political observers continue to monitor the situation, emphasizing the need to protect Kolkata's heritage landmarks while ensuring that they are used in a manner that serves the public interest.