Large chunks of fake ceilings on the floor of the French Museum in Channagar | Photo source: Special arrangements
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is planning to temporarily transfer the prestigious French museum, which was protected and restored in the former French colony of Chandannagar in West Bengal after a portion of the white-flowered ceiling that fell in the second half of last year. People and artifacts have narrow escapes without being hurt.
Built in 1740, the building is officially known as the Chandernagor Academy, and is the place where Joseph Francois Dupleix lived when he was the governor of France in India. Chandannagar’s main landmark also has a historic library and provides national courses.
“We will transfer the museum (very popular) within 18 to 24 months and complete restoration of Duprix Palace, including public facilities. One idea is to ensure the safety of precious artifacts and not to hinder visitors when the repairs begin.” Hindu.
“The transfer will be done with the help of the state government. We still have no decisions about exactly where to transfer it, but we may move it somewhere nearby, maybe in the same compound,” the source said.
Even though parts of the fake ceiling fell for months (on Durga Puja holidays and on November 26, ASI is waiting for money to start repair work. “We have proposed a recovery proposal and we want to allocate funds to the new financial budget,” the source said.
Basabi Pal, director of Chandernagor Institut De Chandernagor, said that after the incident, ASI has removed the entire false ceiling and reopened the museum to the public last month.
“We have moved the artifacts to a safe corner and are waiting for the repair to begin. I am hopeful because the ASI engineer I spoke to last week said we should get some good news in two months.
publishing – February 28, 2025 at 02:20 am IST
