Heritage walk flags urgent need to preserve Patna’s historic buildings

Patna: The INTACH Patna chapter organised a heritage walk from Patna College to the NIT building to mark World Heritage Day on Saturday.During the event, retired professor Wasi Ahmad (90) addressed participants on the 400-year-old Dutch structure of Patna College. He also introduced them to several heritage buildings in the city and stressed the urgent need for their conservation.Ahmad said the structure was built using a mixture of lime, crushed brick, fenugreek and sugar cane juice. He added that its architectural design, including high ceilings, helps regulate indoor temperature in accordance with the local climate. He further observed that the teak wood used in staircases and windows has remained intact even after four centuries.He suggested that INTACH should undertake systematic documentation of such sites through photography and videography to preserve records of the city’s architectural heritage.Bhairab Lal Das, convener of the Patna chapter, flagged off the walk and spoke about the historical significance of the route. Shiv Kumar Mishra, co-convener of INTACH Bihar state, said the govt should formally classify historically and archaeologically significant buildings as protected heritage sites to ensure their preservation.The walk began at Patna College, proceeded to the NIT building, and concluded at NIT Ghat along the Ganga. It was attended by artists, students and local residents.