Amravati: Dismantling of Amravati’s old railway station building, which had sparked a row, has been stopped from yesterday following public outrage, reliable railway sources confirmed.Sources in the Railways said the dismantling was ordered by the Central Railway’s Bhusawal Division and the area was barricaded on Aug 20. The old structure is being dismantled by a private contractor to construct a new building that will house the same railway offices which were earlier located there and have now been shifted to other buildings to facilitate the work.The building was officially declared ‘Heritage’ by Maharashtra govt and is part of 55 structures in Amravati and Badnera listed for conservation. Its demolition had raised the question of who authorized the razing of a protected monument.In view of the controversy, a team headed by the DRM Bhusawal is visiting Amravati for inspection of documents concerning the station’s state heritage status and the extent of dismantling work done so far.Meanwhile, a discrepancy has emerged over its age. While Google records show the station was established in 1859, making it 167 years old, the inauguration board at the station mentions year as 1953.The British-era station is considered a fine example of colonial architecture. It is prominently included in the list of 55 important old structures, buildings and sites in Amravati and Badnera declared as heritage by the state for preservation.Despite its protected status, the administration has reportedly begun dismantling the structure, raising serious questions.Residents say heritage structures are pride of a city. If the administration itself demolishes them, what is the purpose of a Heritage Committee and government orders, they ask.Former Minister of State Dr Sunil Deshmukh said, “This historic structure, which is included in the state’s heritage list, should not be demolished under any circumstances. It should be conserved.”Amravati MP Balwant Wankhade too opposed the dismantling. He told ToI,” It is an attempt of BJP leaders in govt to dismantle government buildings and gobble up the precious land on lease.”With the administration ignoring conservation norms, social organizations and citizens are now preparing for an agitation to save Amravati’s historic identity.
