Paradip: A colonial building dating back to British era in Jamboo Island is on the verge of collapse due to absence of conservation work.

The heritage building bears the signature of British structural designing.

Unless renovation measures are taken immediately, the heritage site will be lost forever.

Earlier, a plan was chalked-out to renovate the structure under World Bank funded Integrated Coastal Zone Management Progra-mme.

However, the funding agencies did not back the project. The state government is taking up the restoration of the building from heritage rest-oration grants.

"However, the project is yet to take its final shape," said superintendent, state archaeology department, Sanghamitra Satpathy.

"Nature has taken a heavy toll on it. The salinity in atmosphere has damaged the building. The structure was properly maintained around the time of Independence. After the British left, it was neglected. Nothing was done for its proper maintenance," said an archaeologist Bijoy Rath.

"The building is in bad shape. It might fall into pieces any moment. So, renovation measures are immediately required. As the building has become dilapidated, it has to be dismantled completely for renovation. All care would be taken to maintain its original colonial characteristics," Rath said.

During the early 20th century, the building was the rest house for navigators because of the strategic location.

"The building was in perfect shape till the sixties. In fact its sylvan surroundings were a major attraction for tourists. But the government agencies did nothing to maintain it. It underwent corrosion. Now the building that marks the rich maritime history of this region may crumble any time," said former sarpanch Bijoy Shukla.

"If the building is renovated, the place would turn into a tourist destination. With inflow of tourists here, local residents will be able to come with more sources of livelihood. We hope heritage tourism will grow after the building is renovated," Shukla said.