Golghar in Patna. The heritage structure could soon have a laser show. Telegraph picture

The ugly cracks on the inner walls of Golghar have been repaired. Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has completed 90 per cent of the work for the renovation.

The iconic granary, which has become a symbol for Patna like the Eiffel Tower is for Paris or the Big Ben for London, had developed three major cracks from its gate all the way to the top. Though visitors were unable to see these, the cracks on the heritage building could have affected its structure. But after the renovation, all such dangers have been exorcised.

“Golghar is a state-protected heritage site and the ASI was given the job of conducting the repair works around a year ago. The job was given to us because of the difficult nature of the task. There is no ventilation inside Golghar. It required expert technique to repair the 250-year-old structure,” said S.K. Manjul, superintending archaeologist, ASI, Patna circle.

He added: “There were three major cracks in the interior walls of Golghar starting from the gate to the top. We have sealed those cracks and removed several defective bricks with new ones. The old mortar had started to fall off at several places. This happens because of normal wear and tear due to environmental factors such as rains and changing temperatures. We have removed the mortar from such places and filled up the joints between the bricks.”

The ASI would finish the renovation of outer walls of Golghar as well by the end of this year. “There are bulging plasters at many places on the outer walls. We have decided to do re-plastering on the entire outer wall and paint it afresh. New railings would be put up along the 300 steps of the spiral stairway, as existing railing is damaged at many places,” said Manjul.

Sources said Golghar was built in 1776. It has a foundation 125-metre-wide. Its height is 96feet. It has a storage capacity of 1,40,000 tonnes. Manjul said the repair work at Golghar was last done around 20 years ago.

Repair works apart, laser and sound shows have also been proposed at Golghar. According to sources, these shows would be held by projecting 3D figures using laser lights on a reservoir that would be developed on the granary premises. Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation — an undertaking of the tourism department — would organise such shows in a public-private-partnership mode. “Calcutta-based Premier World Technologies Ltd has been selected to set-up the infrastructure and run the laser and sound shows at Golghar. Three-dimensional projections with video imaging would be used for depicting different stories based on Golghar or ancient Patliputra. The firm has submitted its final project design. The work is expected to start within a week. It would take around two months before people can enjoy such shows,” said Surendra Kumar, general manager, BSTDC.