The Central Museum, aka Ajab Bangla to be Renovated Soon
The Central Museum, commonly known as Ajab Bangla, was open to visitors until August 2023. Since then, it has been closed. In late July of last year, the museum began to show signs of water leakage. The head of the museum, after consulting with the State Government, decided to close the building for renovation. However, nine months later, Ajab Bangla is still waiting for repairs. As an immediate measure to prevent further damage to the heritage structure and protect the artefacts, the administration covered the roof with plastic. Over time, this plastic cover also deteriorated.
The delay in renovation is due to the government's sloppy approach. For a long time, the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Maharashtra State, delayed appointing a full-time curator for the museum. In January 2024, the museum finally got a full-time curator, Mayuresh Khadke. Khadke informed the media that the renovation process began last year, with architects from Haryana. Unfortunately, the work they did was unsatisfactory, leading to the cancellation. A new application has been sent to the State Government to restart the renovation process.
Five years ago, during some work at Kasturchand Park, several British-era cannons were discovered. These were moved to the Central Museum, and the museum authorities spent over Rs 50 lakh on conservation techniques to prevent them from rusting. The cannons were then displayed in the museum with a new look.
According to Khadke, the Central Museum requires renovation and conservation of its artefacts. "We will first focus on renovating the building and then start the process of conserving the artefacts. If everything goes well, the renovation of the building should be completed in another four months," said Khadke. While the renovation process is being finalized, the heritage structure in the heart of the city remains in a neglected condition. Ironically, garbage dumped near its compound wall adds to the museum's shabby appearance.
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