NTPC Sets New CSR Benchmark with ₹23 Crore Restoration of Kolkata's Historic Botanic Garden Building

A historic botanical landmark in West Bengal is set to undergo India's most ambitious corporate-funded heritage restoration, marking a significant milestone in the intersection of environmental conservation, architectural preservation, and corporate social responsibility.

Record-Breaking CSR Investment in Heritage Conservation

The state-owned power giant NTPC has committed ₹23 crore towards restoring the Old Herbarium building at the AJC Bose Indian Botanic Garden in Shibpur, Howrah. This investment represents India's largest-ever CSR-funded public restoration project, surpassing the previous benchmark of ₹14 crore allocated by Citibank for the restoration of cultural landmarks such as the Afghan Church in Colaba, Mumbai.

The magnitude of this initiative underscores the growing role of corporate social responsibility in heritage conservation and sets a new precedent for how public sector undertakings can contribute meaningfully to preserving India's architectural and botanical legacy.

Colonial Architecture Meets Modern Restoration

Constructed in 1883, the Old Herbarium building stands as a testament to colonial-era architectural excellence and botanical scholarship. The structure was designed based on the 1853 Herbarium at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Kew, London, featuring distinctive architectural elements including a double-height volume, first-floor gallery, and intricate cast iron embellishments that have become hallmarks of Victorian-era public buildings.

Over the decades, the building has suffered from natural deterioration, including unchecked vegetation growth, water ingress, and structural weakening. The restoration project aims to address these concerns while preserving the building's historical authenticity and architectural integrity, similar to efforts undertaken in safeguarding Mumbai's heritage structures.

Strategic Partnership for Heritage Revival

The restoration project brings together three key organizations, each contributing specialized expertise. NTPC serves as the funding agency under its CSR programme, demonstrating how infrastructure and public sector investments can extend beyond traditional development projects.

The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage serves as the implementing agency, leveraging its extensive experience in conservation architecture across India. Alleya and Associates have been appointed as lead consultants, while heritage consultant Nilina Deb Lal brings specialized knowledge in colonial-era architectural preservation to ensure historically appropriate restoration techniques.

Transforming Heritage into Public Spaces

The restoration project extends beyond mere structural preservation, envisioning the Old Herbarium as a vibrant community hub. The redesigned space will incorporate multiple functional areas to serve both visitors and researchers.

Planned facilities include a comprehensive visitor centre to educate the public about botanical heritage, an interpretation gallery showcasing the garden's historical significance, modern conference facilities for academic and scientific gatherings, a souvenir shop to support sustainable tourism, and a café offering visitors an enhanced experience within this historic setting.

This approach of repurposing heritage structures for contemporary use reflects broader trends in transforming landmarks into tourist and community hotspots while maintaining their historical character.

Potential Catalyst for Broader Garden Revival

Heritage consultant Nilina Deb Lal expressed optimism that this landmark restoration could catalyze further investment in other colonial-era structures within the Botanic Garden complex. Historic buildings such as Roxburgh House and the Old Seed Store could benefit from similar restoration efforts, potentially creating a comprehensive heritage precinct within the garden.

The successful completion of this project could establish a replicable model for heritage conservation across India, encouraging other corporate entities to invest in architectural preservation as part of their social responsibility commitments. This aligns with the broader trend of mega infrastructure and development projects that balance modernization with heritage preservation.

Historical and Botanical Significance

The AJC Bose Indian Botanic Garden holds immense historical importance as a center of botanical research in India. The Old Herbarium has housed extensive archives of plant species and served as a cornerstone of the country's botanical scientific legacy for over a century.

Once restoration is completed, the building is expected to become an accessible cultural and educational hub, bridging the gap between India's colonial architectural heritage and contemporary public engagement with environmental science and history.

The ₹23 crore investment by NTPC represents more than just a financial commitment—it establishes a new benchmark for corporate contributions to heritage conservation and demonstrates how public spaces can be revitalized through strategic partnerships between government undertakings, conservation organizations, and specialized consultants.

As work progresses on this ambitious project, the restored Old Herbarium is poised to become a landmark example of environmental heritage, architectural revival, and community engagement, all powered by India's most significant CSR-funded public restoration initiative to date.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Readers are advised to verify all information independently and consult appropriate professionals before making any decisions related to heritage properties, investments, or conservation projects. The details mentioned are based on available information as of the publication date and may be subject to change.