Consultants’ row stalling UoP building restoration work

The restoration of the main building of University of Pune (UoP), a heritage structure, which has been on at a tardy pace since July 2008 is likely to face more delays unless a reported conflict between the architect and contractor appointed by the university is sorted out soon.

Another eminent heritage structure in the city, the main building of College of Engineering, Pune (CoEP), was renovated in almost a year's time by March last year but the work at UoP is stuck in spite of repeated assurances from the university administration that restoration will pick up.

While it requires frequent dialogues and discussions between the consultant architect and the contractor for every single step to be undertaken for restoration, reported differences between them have hampered work.

Built in 1864, the main building of UoP was known as the Governor's House in the pre-Independence era. Its restoration work has a financial outlay of Rs 12.46 crore and the university has allocated Rs 3 crore in its 2013-14 budget.

Admitting that there are differences over execution of restoration work, vice-chancellor WN Gade said efforts were on to speed up work. "We have been holding regular meetings with the parties concerned to ensure the work gets the desired momentum," he said.

The university has spent more than Rs 8.5 crore on the restoration of the main building. While works like waterproofing and strengthening of walls are almost over, the important work of flooring, renovation of ceiling and finishing are pending.

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