La Martiniere files appl with KMC, seeks urgent repair nod

Kolkata: La Martiniere Schools submitted an urgent application to Kolkata Municipal Corporation on Friday, seeking approval for urgent repair and restoration work on their premises that are listed as Grade I heritage structures. This follows the Calcutta High Court's directive that the school must obtain heritage panel approval before initiating any repairs at both boys' and girls' schools.La Martiniere Secretary Supriyo Dhar filed the application with the municipal secretary, buildings department director general, and environment and heritage department. The urgency stems from a significant safety incident on May 21, when a large section of plaster (10ft×3ft) fell 40ft from the ceiling to the ground floor at the boys' school.Dhar emphasised that whilst the incident occurred during school closure, such falling debris could have caused severe injuries or fatalities had the school been operational. He stressed that heritage structures require consistent maintenance to ensure occupant safety, noting that the incident indicates broader structural issues needing immediate attention. The official also said the application represented a careful balance between heritage preservation obligations and fundamental duty to ensure safety of students, staff and visitors. The school acknowledged the legal protocols for heritage building permissions, including mayor-in-council sanctions following Municipal Building Committee and Heritage Conservation Committee recommendations. They expressed willingness to incorporate West Bengal Heritage Commission's guidance, contrasting their previous request for removal from the heritage list.The application detailed multiple communications to the civic body in March and May 2023, seeking urgent repair permissions. KMC-empanelled architect Partha Ranjan Das had written to the environment and heritage director general, requesting approval for essential preventive restoration work.Das, appointed to advise both schools on maintaining two-century-old buildings along AJC Bose Road, sought nod for basic repairs including crack plastering, damp treatment, painting, and bathroom tile replacement.Das suggested that routine maintenance should occur during school closure, particularly at girls' school due to security considerations. He proposed that more substantial repairs, including sagging roof issues and unauthorised marble tile installations, could be addressed later. But KMC denied all permissions.Dhar referenced two court orders from Feb 13, 2025, and May 22, 2025, regarding repair work restrictions and KMC's reporting obligations. He noted that these orders suggest KMC's active involvement in heritage preservation and timely response to applications like the one submitted Friday.Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Brother's Day wishes, messages and quotes !