NTPC Funds India's Largest Heritage Restoration Project at Shibpur's 142-Year-Old Botanical Herbarium

A groundbreaking initiative has commenced at the AJC Bose Indian Botanic Garden in Shibpur, Howrah, marking a significant milestone in India's heritage conservation landscape. NTPC Ltd has committed ₹23 crore through corporate social responsibility funding for the restoration of the nearly 142-year-old Old Herbarium building, establishing a new benchmark for public heritage restoration projects in the country.

Project Overview and Historic Significance

The Old Herbarium, constructed in 1883, represents a crucial piece of India's botanical and architectural heritage. The building draws architectural inspiration from the celebrated 1853 Herbarium at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Kew, London, featuring grand colonial design elements including double-height interiors, intricate cast iron embellishments, and an impressive first-floor gallery. The structure has housed an invaluable botanical collection spanning over a century, documenting India's diverse plant species.

Structural Challenges and Conservation Needs

Decades of neglect and environmental exposure have taken a considerable toll on the historic structure. The building suffered from several critical structural issues including vegetation-induced cracks throughout the walls, extensive rainwater ingress causing internal damage, and the deterioration or loss of ornamental cast iron elements that once defined its colonial character. Similar to challenges faced in Mumbai's heritage conservation efforts, the restoration requires specialized expertise in preserving historical architectural integrity.

Transformative Vision for Public Engagement

The restoration project extends beyond mere structural repair, envisioning the Old Herbarium as a vibrant public-facing center for education, culture, and tourism. The reimagined space will incorporate several modern facilities designed to enhance visitor experience while respecting the building's historical character.

Planned Amenities and Features

The restored building will feature a comprehensive visitor interpretation gallery providing educational context about the botanical collection and the building's significance. Conference and seminar spaces will enable academic and scientific gatherings, fostering knowledge exchange in botanical sciences. Additionally, a souvenir shop and café will offer convenient amenities for tourists, while modern public engagement areas will make the historic collection accessible to broader audiences.

Heritage consultant Nilina Deb Lal emphasized that the initiative represents more than preservation, describing it as a reactivation of history for public access. She expressed optimism that the project's success could pave the way for future restorations within the Botanical Survey of India campus, including historically significant structures such as Roxburgh House and the Old Seed Store.

National Significance and Industry Impact

NTPC Ltd's ₹23 crore commitment establishes this as India's largest public restoration project funded through corporate social responsibility initiatives, surpassing Citibank's previous ₹14 crore grant for the Afghan Church restoration in Mumbai's Colaba area. This achievement demonstrates how corporate social responsibility initiatives can align with heritage conservation goals to preserve India's cultural and scientific legacy.

The project showcases an effective collaboration model between corporate funding, heritage expertise through INTACH, and civic vision, potentially serving as a blueprint for similar restoration efforts across India. The initiative is expected to enhance cultural tourism infrastructure, improve public engagement with heritage sites, and provide a replicable framework for preserving colonial-era structures throughout the country.

Implications for Heritage-Led Development

The restoration of the Old Herbarium at the AJC Bose Indian Botanic Garden represents a transformative chapter in India's approach to heritage conservation. With substantial corporate backing and expert-led execution through INTACH and Alleya and Associates, the project promises not only to revive a colonial-era architectural marvel but also to establish a national model for heritage-led public development.

The success of this initiative could catalyze similar restoration efforts across India, demonstrating how historic structures can be adapted for contemporary use while preserving their architectural and cultural significance. The project aligns with broader trends in India where heritage landmarks are being reimagined as accessible public spaces that serve both educational and tourism purposes.