A 237-year-old building at 9 Chowringhee Road, Kolkata, has withstood earthquakes, cyclones, and witnessed significant historical events. Despite seven decades of neglect, a conservation architect says the structure remains stable and could last another century. The Indian National Trust for Art & Cultural Heritage (INTACH) has urged the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) to grant it heritage status and intervene for restoration.
Built in 1787, the building has housed several notable businesses, including India’s first dental practice, and was frequented by figures like Subhas Chandra Bose and Satyajit Ray. The building’s deteriorating condition, with peeling plaster and vegetation growing from cracks, is a result of long-term neglect by its owner, Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), which has not carried out repairs.
The building was acquired in 1980 by SK Bose and his brother. Bose claims LIC has not allowed any repairs since 1956-57. Attempts to reach LIC for comment were unsuccessful. The area also has two other buildings nearly as old, constructed around 250 years ago.
