Shimla: For over a century, British-era Town Hall, an iconic monumental building, next to Shimla's landmark Gaiety Theatre stood tall to its glory as a witness to many historic pre-and- post Independence happenings here.
Today, the building in its old 'architectural form and shape' was formally dedicated back to the town after three-year long restoration works, which state's tourism department executed with Asian Development Bank (ADB) funding, investing Rs 8.1 crore. But, there was no word as what's going to be end use of the historic property, which till 2015, had housed Shimla Municipal Corporation (SMC), including Mayor and deputy Mayor's offices. There were also issues raised about quality of the work done.
As state's Chief minister Jai Ram Thakur, flanked by Education minister Suresh Bhardwaj, who is also local MLA, and Shimla's Mayor Kusum Sadret, unveiled the plique at the main entrance, lots of local residents rushed to get a glimpse of the building.
"Issue as what public use this wonderful place be put is in the High Court. The case is listed for the next hearing on December 13. We will abide by the court orders," said Chief Minister when asked about future plans.
Shimla's Mayor Kusum Sadret, who had been lobbying hard alongwith councillors, both belonging to the BJP and Congress, to hand over the building back to the Corporation, looked optimistic.
"It's our (SMC) property. We are hopeful that High Court will definitely deliver a favourable verdict. So is government favouring our claim" she added.
In fact High Court had taken-up the case its suo-moto action fearing that if the building goes back to the corporation, its walls and space will be used only for hanging calendars by babus in the office. The court also feared that wooden panels and art works will get destroyed if it houses Municipal Corporation office.
Lot of public suggestions have already poured in for converting Town Hall into a city museum, making it accessible to tourists, allowing literary and cultural shows and setting-up memento kiosk and handicraft display gallery since been located in the centre of the town, and on the Mall road
Chief Minister also dedicated Rs 82 crore first of its kind 13-storey modern parking complex at Tutikandi near ISBT, Shimla, which is provide space to 850 tourists vehicles during peak tourists season.
The Country Director of ADB Kenichi Yokoyama was also present.