KMC to restore Dalhousie Square’s heritage amid widespread theft of street furniture in BBD Bagh

The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) is set to restore Dalhousie Square, a key historical area in Kolkata that was once the center of British administration in India. The square’s street furniture, which had been designed to replicate the area’s 18th-century appearance, was found to have been significantly damaged and stolen over time. Key elements such as cast iron railings, benches, and streetlights were taken, leaving parts of the area in a deteriorated condition.

A survey conducted by KMC officials revealed that nearly 30% of the original street furniture was missing. This included cast iron railings, which had lined the pavements, wooden planks from benches, and streetlights that were designed to match the square’s colonial-era look. These elements were part of a restoration project undertaken between 2006 and 2008, which aimed to recreate the square’s 18th-century appearance based on historical photographs. The thefts have left noticeable gaps, especially around the Lal Dighi, General Post Office (GPO), and the Raj Bhavan.

The restoration plan includes the replacement of these stolen items with identical designs, materials, and colors. Cast iron railings and streetlights, which were key to the square’s heritage restoration, will be reintroduced. The KMC has also stated that the cost of the project is expected to be higher than the ₹16 crore spent on the original restoration due to inflation and increased material costs. The exact budget for the new project is still being calculated, and KMC officials are working on estimates for the new cast iron elements.

During the 2006-2008 restoration, the street furniture was designed to reflect the square’s layout and aesthetic during the period from 1858 to 1911, when the British Empire ruled India. This included the installation of cast iron railings, wooden benches, and streetlights modeled after historical designs, along with the replacement of concrete pavements with cobblestones to match the square’s original look. The restoration was intended to preserve the heritage of Dalhousie Square, an area that once hosted key British institutions, including the Writers' Building and Raj Bhavan.

While the restoration will proceed with the replacement of the stolen items, the KMC has raised concerns about the security of the area. Cast iron, the primary material used for the stolen items, is a brittle metal that is prone to theft due to its value and ease of removal. As a result, there is a risk that similar thefts could occur during or after the restoration. The KMC has also received approval from the Heritage Conservation Committee to move forward with the work.

To address security concerns, Mayor Firhad Hakim stated that discussions would be held with the Calcutta Police Commissioner to explore enhanced security measures for the area. Given that the Writers’ Building is nearby and houses several government offices, the KMC is hopeful that the police unit responsible for the building can also oversee security for Dalhousie Square. Restoration work is expected to begin once the tender process is completed, and estimates for the restoration are finalized.