The colonial building at Jamboo in Kendrapara. Telegraph picture

Kendrapara, Oct. 2: A majestic colonial building dating back to the British Raj is poised for makeover through the World Bank-funded Integrated Coastal Zone Management Programme.

The building that bears signature of the British structural designing is wallowing in neglect at the seaside Jamboo village in Kendrapara. Lying in a deserted place, the historic structure, known as Jumboo Colonial Building, is on the verge of collapse.

Vagaries of nature have taken a toll on it. The salinity content in local atmosphere has led to its decay.

The structure was properly maintained till the Independence. After the British left, it was reduced to an object of neglect. Nothing was done for its periodic maintenance.

Built in the early 20th century, the building, by virtue of its state-of-the-art structural technology, used to serve as the rest house for navigators because of the strategic location of the place.

“The building is being refurbished under the programme’s coastal heritage restoration plan. The estimated cost of the renovation project is Rs 60 lakh. The restoration would get under way by December under supervision of the state archaeology department,” said Ashwini Kumar Satpathy, curator of the state archaeology department.

But, the building, locally known as Bilayti Kotha or British building, might fall into pieces if it is subjected to repair. Thus, it will be dismantled completely to carry out the renovation.

All care would be taken to maintain its original colonial characteristics, he said.

“The building was in perfect shape till the 60s. Visitors used to spend night there. In fact, its sylvan surroundings were a major attraction for tourists. But, the government agencies were apathetic towards it. It underwent corrosion. Now, the building, reminding one of rich maritime histories of this region, may crumble any moment,” said Bijoy Shukla, a former sarpanch of the Jamboo gram panchayat.

“Under the World Bank-funded programme, emphasis has been laid on preserving heritage of the coastal area and promote community-based heritage tourism, which would create livelihood opportunity for the coastal communities and create self-employment. With renovation of the building, the place would turn into a tourist destination, and in the course, usher in income sources for local people,” said Kendrapara collector Durga Prasad Behera.

“Jamboo is a colonial heritage site, which has not been brought to the limelight till date. We are hopeful that heritage tourism would grow with refurbishment of the building,” he added.

Under the restructuring programme, the local coastal community, especially the marine fishermen, would be active participants of the heritage site development.