Lalbagh director's colonial residence set for makeover

The dilapidated residence-cum-office of Director of Lalbagh Botanical Garden, a heritage building constructed in 1850s, that also houses a library, is set for a makeover.

Director of Horticulture D R Maheshwar said this is the first time the building is being renovated. Lalbagh Deputy Director Gunavantha K said the renovation would cost Rs 30 lakh.

The renovation work by PWD, which has been undertaken after consultation and guidance from Indian National Trust For Art & Cultural Heritage, will be completed in six months. The building area includes the garden spread across two acre of land.

Harish Padmanabha, grandson of Rao Bahadur H C Javaraya, first native Indian Director of Lalbagh during British rule said, it was built around 1854. It was a colonial bungalow with horse carriage way, verandah and tennis court in the back side. Famous people like John Cameron and Hermann Krumbeigel, former directors, resided there.