After devastating fire, KMC vows ‘faithful reconstruction’ of Ezra Street fire temple

Kolkata: In the wake of the devastating blaze that engulfed the historic Rustomjee Cowasjee Banajee fire temple on Ezra Street, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation has begun assessing the path toward restoration. Swapan Samaddar, KMC’s MMIC (Heritage & Environment), said the civic body is still awaiting the forensic report, which will determine how and when repairs can begin.

According to him, the restoration process is especially sensitive because the fire temple is listed as a Grade I heritage structure, a category that allows virtually no structural alteration. He stated: “Heritage buildings cannot be renovated without minor changes, but in this exceptional situation, our aim is to recreate the structure as faithfully as possible—to bring it back to nearly what it was, without compromising on heritage principles.”

Mayor Firhad Hakim has also directed officials to examine the long-standing encroachment issues around the temple. He has sought a detailed report on unauthorised structures and shops that had crowded the site, concerns that have resurfaced sharply after the fire and may influence future conservation decisions.

The Rustomjee Cowasjee Banajee Fire Temple—Kolkata’s first Parsi agiari—has stood at 26 Ezra Street since 1839, bearing witness to the city’s diverse cultural fabric. Built by philanthropist and ship-builder Rustomjee Cowasjee Banajee, the temple was inaugurated with distinguished guests, including Prince Dwarkanath Tagore. Its distinct Gothic architecture, spread across one bigha and 18 cottahs, once lent the surrounding area its name, Parsee Church Street.

Over the years, the temple gradually slipped into disuse. Despite being a Grade I heritage structure, protected by KMC rules restricting alterations, the building became increasingly hidden behind rows of decorative-light shops that encroached upon its frontage. The sacred fire went out decades ago and regular worship ceased in the late 1970s. Yet for nearly 50 years, the temple was tended with quiet dedication by Iftiqar Haque, a Muslim caretaker who remained committed to preserving its dignity even amid mounting urban pressures.

The recent fire broke out early on a Saturday in an adjacent warehouse and quickly spread to nearby shops before reaching the temple. 15 fire tenders battled the flames in the congested lanes. By the end of the operation, the temple’s roof had collapsed, wooden beams were charred and several heritage elements had been reduced to rubble.

Local councillor Santosh Kumar Pathak said he had repeatedly warned authorities about the temple’s worsening condition. “I’ve warned authorities many times about the building,” he said.

“Now let’s see what measures will be taken.”