Patna, Jan. 24: The future is bright for heritage structures in the state.

The directorate of archaeology has decided to take up conservation work at six places of historical importance this year aiming to turn them into tourist destinations.

Atul Kumar Verma, director, directorate of archaeology, told The Telegraph that conservation and beautification work would be taken up at Golghar and Morrison Building in Patna apart from the house of author George Orwell in Motihari and Mughal dynasty ruler Ibrahim Shah’s tomb in Bhagalpur.

Talking about the plans, Verma said: “The directorate would renovate the buildings and would also take up the beautification work in areas adjacent to these buildings, for example a park near George Orwell’s house. The directorate has acquired around four acres to develop the park. Orwell’ house is dilapidated at present, we would renovate that as well,” said Verma.

Asked how much the directorate would spend on the conservation projects, Verma said: “Rs 6.6 lakh would be spent on Golghar, around Rs 70 lakh on Morrison Building, around Rs 55 lakh on Ibrahim Shah’s tomb, Rs 39 lakh on the Dubba site and around Rs 60 lakh on Orwell’s birthplace respectively.”

Verma added: “Golghar has developed cracks and water seeps through the walls. We would lay a pathway on the campus to make it attractive. The Morrison Building, a symbol of Gothic architecture, would also be renovated. We have discovered many stupa mounds from Dubba, Gurua in Gaya. Many sculptures have also been found from the site. Pieces of basalt and granite have fallen off the Sofa temple in West Champaran, which need restoration.”