Iron scaffolding around the Golghar. Picture by Ashok Sinha

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has started restoration work on the outer walls of the Golghar.

Restoration of the inner walls was completed recently.

Residents who love looking at Patna from atop the Golghar would have to stay away for a while, as the heritage granary’s stairway would also be repaired.

“The ASI is restoring the Golghar on the request of the state government. Restoration of the inner walls started in 2011 based on the technical report from Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur,” said M.S. Chauhan, superintending archaeologist, ASI-Patna circle.

The heritage granary had developed three major cracks from the gateway to the top. During the restoration of the inner walls, the cracks were sealed and plastered.

According to sources, the plaster on the outer wall is coming off at many places.

The ASI will re-plaster the outer wall and paint it afresh. New railings would be put up along the 300 steps of the spiral stairway, as the existing railing is also damaged.

“Several of the stairs have suffered substantial damage. Those would be repaired over the next few months. Using the stairs to go to the top of the Golghar would be prohibited during the repair work. We are also contemplating to ask the government to restrict visitors from going up the stairs once the restoration work is complete to prevent long-term damage,” said Chauhan.

He added that all restoration work at the Golghar is scheduled to be completed by the end of the 2013-14 fiscal.

A fund of Rs 94 lakh was sanctioned by the government in 2011 to carry out the restoration work, which became necessary after the 3.6m thick wall of the Golghar 29m tall developed a vertical crack near the staircase.