Tilt in dome atop Lucknow’s Big Ben
LDA to ensure alignment of dome and fix the broken beak and feathers of metal bird on the wind vane
LUCKNOW: There’s a noticeable tilt in the shiny dome atop Lucknow’s ‘Big Ben’ — the 135-year-old Clock Tower.
The sudden ‘deformity’ in the structure came as a setback for its custodian — the Hussainabad and Allied Trust (HAT) that has cited ‘age factor’ as the reason behind the tilt.
“The vagaries of nature have possibly caused a gradual tilt in the metal dome,” said an official with HAT.
Of f i cials said t he t rust has approached Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) to initiate restoration work at the earliest.
However, they said that the work would be part of the ongoing beautification drive in Old City that is a state government’s project.
The HAT has also asked the LDA to fix the beak and feathers of the metal bird mounted on the dome on the wind vane. “It’s going to be a complete restoration of the Clock Tower that includes alignment of the dome and fixing the parts of the wind vane,” the officer added.
The survey of the monument has been completed and now the agency that is ready with its blueprint, is expected to start the much needed restoration work within a week, he said.
As per the blueprint, the Clock Tower’s restoration would be carried out in two phases. In the first phase, the team of engineers and architects would be handling the alignment of the dome and fixing of wind vane — which they have bracketed under essential works.
“It’s going to be the most crucial work at a height of around 70 metres,” said an officer with LDA, who is engaged in the Clock Tower’s restoration project.
“It’s the weight of the dome (that appears to be of brass) that makes our work even tougher,” the officer said.
However, he said there is no mention of the weight of the dome in any of the history books, hence the engineers will ascertain its actual weight, once they reach the top. The metal bird’s parts, he said, would be welded. “Even this is a tough task. We have to carry the welding equipment to the top. The metal structure will also be polished to give it a brighter look,” he added.
The second phase of work would include the tower’s restoration and silicon coating. “It is also noticed that there are a few broken bricks and stairs. All this would be restored in this phase,” he said. The silicon coating to the entire structure would be another cumbersome task. “A thick and colourless coating is a sure shot solution to protect the monument from the vagaries of nature. It will also strengthen the structure,” he added.
Both the phases, the cost of which is around Rs 1 crore, would be completed within three months. Raj Shekhar, district magistrate and custodian of HAT, said the restoration work at the majestic Clock Tower was being carried out by the experts of LDA under the state government’s restoration project.