Luminaries tap CSR funds to save Lal Baradari from ruin

LUCKNOW: A week after TOI reported about the historical Lal Baradari at Lucknow University developing a major crack and under threat of collapse anytime, eminent people from various fields came forward on Monday to make efforts to save the building. Lal Baradari is the only red stone building of the Nawabi era in Lucknow.

The former chief information commissioner, Wajahat Habibullah, who is grandson of former LU

vice-chancellor (1938-41) Sheikh MD Habibullah, social activist Aditi Chakravarti and renowned producer Iqbal Kidwai met LU vicechancellor SP Singh and extended support for saving the 200 year old building by arranging funds through corporate social responsibility.

They also presented a letter of support on behalf of LU alumnus, scientist and writer PC Sarkar.

“Huge funds are required to save Lal Baradari and it’s not possible for any individual or organization to do it alone. LU is happy that eminent personalities have come forward to help,” said LU spokesperson NK Pandey.

He said soon a meeting will be held to chalk out a plan for the same in which the dignitaries will draft a plan for repair, will arrange all the required papers and will then move ahead with the plan.

Pandey said for safety reason Lal Baradari has been presently sealed. The building has developed multiple cracks and its repair is a herculean task for the university to do it alone. The Lakhauri bricks of the building fall more often from the domes and now the pillar at the southeastern corner supporting the main wall opposite to the Tagore library pond has got detached and had partially flung in the air posing a threat of collapse.

Earlier, LU authorities sought help from government. The rooftop of the building opposite to Tagore Library park which once housed a bank, cafeteria and teacher’s staff club was evacuated four years ago due to its decrepit state.