The Old Commissionerate building in Nagpur stands as a magnificent testament to British colonial architecture and the administrative history of Central India. Constructed between 1910 and 1916, this century-old heritage structure was originally built to serve as the Secretariat of the Central Provinces. Today, it continues its legacy of governance by housing the office of the Divisional Commissioner alongside several other essential government establishments.
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| Old commissioner's building, Nagpur hehitavada.com |
Above images:This heritage structure built between 1910 to 1916 atthe cost of R.10, 80,033 covers 8122.76 sq. mt. The ground-plan is a quadrangle enclosing a spacious open courtyard.It was originally built to serve as the Secretariat of the Central Provinces. Today, it continues its legacy of governance by housing the office of the Divisional Commissioner alongside several other essential government establishments........
Architectural Features and Design Style
Architecturally, the building is a quintessential example of colonial-era civic design, structurally organized as a double-storeyed quadrangle that encloses a spacious, open central courtyard. The building's most striking visual element is its exterior facade, which features massive stone masonry crafted in alternating courses of locally available black basalt and grey sandstone. This intentional juxtaposition of dark and light stone creates a distinct, rhythmic polychromatic effect.
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| Old commissioner's bldg Govt offices, nagpuronline.in |
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| Old Secretariat building, Nagpur tripadvisor.in |
The exterior design is further enriched by a projecting cornice and intricately carved work in grey sandstone, emphasizing the building’s monumental scale. Designed to withstand the region’s intense heat while facilitating grand administrative functions, the interior boasts wide, sweeping staircases, spacious corridors, and large windows that maximize natural ventilation. Multiple porches frame the various entrances, lending the entire complex a dignified and imposing presence.
The Need for Conservation
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| Restoration work on, Old Secretariat building nagpurtoday.in |
Having braved the elements for over a hundred years, the iconic structure gradually began showing signs of severe distress. Lack of timely maintenance resulted in a heavily leaking roof, which threatened the building's structural integrity. Furthermore, while numerous piecemeal internal modifications were executed over the decades to accommodate changing office layouts, they often compromised the building's aesthetic harmony. Recognizing the urgent need to preserve its heritage value while enhancing modern utility, the State Government sanctioned a comprehensive restoration project.
Recent Conservation Work and Present Status
The conceptualization of this specialized facelift began during the tenure of Prajakta Lavangare Verma as Divisional Commissioner, receiving official government approval in December 2021. The execution of the project was entrusted to the Public Works Department (PWD) Division No. 1 under its non-plan head, with a budget of approximately Rs 14 crore and a stipulated timeline of 12 months.
Currently progressing under the guidance of the present Divisional Commissioner, Vijayalakshmi Bidari, the restoration work is being meticulously carried out by specialized laborers. According to PWD Executive Engineer Abhijit Kuchekar, the primary challenge is restoring the building’s "old glory" without compromising its historical value.
The ongoing project primarily envisions replacing the dilapidated, century-old roof to permanently arrest water leakage. Laborers are working within heavy wooden scaffolding to restore the sandstone structures, replace broken gallery railings, and overhaul the old flooring. Beyond structural repairs, the project includes practical modernizations like the complete renovation of the building's four primary toilets. A major highlight of the ongoing work is the revitalization of the central courtyard, where an ancient fountain is being restored to serve once again as the building's scenic centerpiece. Today, the Old Secretariat is successfully transitioning into a revived heritage landmark, blending historic grandeur with modern administrative functionality.
https://www.nagpuronline.in/guide/government-offices-in-nagpur
https://www.nagpurtoday.in/divisional-commissionerate-building-in-nagpur-getting-a-facelift
K. N. Jayaraman (Author: navrangindia.blogspot.com)
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