Supervisory body to monitor reconstruction of Rajbari
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 13 2025: The Government has constituted a five-member monitoring and supervision committee for the 'reconstruction and restoration of the historic Manipur Bhavan at the Rajbari (Redlands) Building, Shillong,' chaired by MAHUD Director Ngangom Uttam.

According to an order issued by MAHUD Joint Secretary, the committee comprises Ngangom Uttam as Chairman, Art and Culture Deputy Secretary Sunanda Thokchom as Member Secretary, and GAD Deputy Secretary Clara Koshoni Phimu, Superintendent (Archaeology) K Shahikanta, and PDA Executive Engineer-I Ngangom Dilip Meitei as Members.

The Committee will be responsible for monitoring all aspects of the 'reconstruction and restoration' of the historical building (Manipur Rajbari) and exhibition hall and procurement of gallery display items for the development of Heritage Complex at Rajbari/Red Land, Shillong.

The work for the infrastructure development of the heritage building and non civil work was awarded to M/S Meetei Construction Private Limited, Special Class Contractor, PDA in 2023, it said.

The order said that the committee will meticulously monitor and ensure the reconstruction strictly adheres to the original architectural design, historical features and dimensions as per the historical records and photographs of the original structure wherever possible.

Further stating that the materials salvaged from the original building will be utilized in the reconstruction, it added that quality control and protocols will be strictly enforced for all materials, construction methods, and workmanship to ensure the use of high-quality, historically accurate materials.

The committee will also oversee the handling of reusable original materials such as woods, doors, windows etc and ensure their proper documentation and integration into the reconstructed building wherever technically feasible and historically appropriate, according to the order.

Moreover, the committee will engage with and review reports from structural engineers and heritage conservation experts to ensure the new construction meets all modem seismic and structural safety codes while maintaining the aesthetic integrity of the heritage structure, it said and added that the entire reconstruction process will be documented.

It further said the committee will submit periodic progress reports covering physical, financial and quality aspects to the appointing authority (eg the GAD/Department of Art and Culture), flagging any critical issues requiring intervention.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Secretary (GAD), in a press release, stated that the Manipur Government had decided to take up a comprehensive project for the "Infrastructure Development of Heritage Complex, Rajbari, Shillong" given the historical importance of Manipur Rajbari, Shillong.

Saying that the DPR having two components (construction of a guest houses and reconstruction/restoration of an exhibition hall) for the infrastructure development was prepared by the Planning and Development Authority (PDA), it added that the DPR was approved by North Eastern Council (NEC), Government of India in July 2023.The reconstruction/restoration of the exhibition hall was taken up as the Rajbari Building was very old and in a dilapidated condition due to weathering and termite infestation.

The construction of the guest house which began in April last year is almost complete, it said.

"As a first step, the dismantling of a dilapidated part of the building was taken up.

However, there was an apprehension that the remaining part of the building may collapse due to instability and weakness of the structural elements.

Hence dismantling of the whole structure was necessitated and done manually with care," it said and maintained that the dismantled structures like wooden doors, windows and wall plates etc have been properly stacked and stored for re-use while the old structure has been properly documented by taking photographs and videography.

The work on the site of the historic building has been completely stopped and a monitoring and a supervision committee has been formed for 'reconstruction and restoration' of Manipur Rajbari building, it added.

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