Imprisoned by neglect, revamp on cards for Kala Paani

Allahabad: The decrepit walls of Port Blair’s Cellular Jail, infamous as Kala Paani where the British exiled its political prisoners, had a story to tell for all these years — one of gross neglect. But now, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ directorate of tourism has sanctioned Rs 6.64 crore for its revamp.
The authorities have roped in Mumbai-based Savani Heritage Conservation for the project. The firm has in the past been involved in restoration work of Vizianagaram Hall of Allahabad University, the Mysore Palace near Bengaluru and the Surat Castle in Gujarat.
The prison complex once housed freedom fighters like Batukeshwar Dutt and Veer Savarkar who were jailed by the British for dissent.
The outlay, which was approved on June 24, is a part of the Union government’s efforts to develop tourist spots under its Swadesh Darshan scheme. Launched in 2014-15, Union government plans to develop theme-based tourist circuits in the country to boost tourism.Built in 1896, it took a decade to complete the construction of the puce-coloured structured with bricks brought from Burma. The prison’s architecture was designed on Jeremy Bentham’s idea of a panopticon. The building was divided into seven wings, with a tower in its centre from where the guards kept a watch on the inmates.
The wings radiated from the tower in straight lines, like spokes of a wheel. The tower also featured a huge bell which was used to make announcements. The prison was used by the British to institutionalise prisoners, mainly political dissidents and rebels, with brutal measures like isolation and torture.
However, time hasn’t very kind to the building which has been showing signs of administrative neglect.
Ram Savani, one of Indian National Trust of Art and Cultural Heritage’s lifetime members, said, “The prison building has been reeling under neglect as the peeling lime plaster, leakages and the salty breeze dealt a blow to the original structure.”
Junior engineer of Andaman PWD M Adi Narayan said, “Cellular jail is one of the most popular tourist spots in Andaman Island and its restoration is a modest attempt by the government to honour our freedom fighters. The jail bears testimony to the sacrifice they made for the country.”
He said the restoration project is likely to take two years to complete.