By TCN Special Correspondent,
Lucknow: Rumi Darwaza, also known as Turkish Gate, is in danger. The cracks which appeared a few months back have widened in the structure which is synonymous with Lucknow’s image. Experts expressed their inability to start restoration work with traffic passing through the three passages of the gate.
“We are aware that Rumi gate has developed cracks. We have approached the district administration for diverting the traffic so that restoration work can be started,” stated an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) official.
Rumi Darwaza
The imposing gate akin to the Gate in Constantinople is a brand image of Lucknow. All the government brochures and tourism department booklet are incomplete without the magnificent structure in the backdrop. However, due to official apathy, the gate is losing its glory. Some minor cracks appeared a few months back but with no restoration work, they widened and plaster also wilted.
ASI officials approached the district administration for diverting the traffic so that restoration work can commence but the administration failed to react. The result? The crack widened and assumed dangerous proportions posing a threat to the Rumi gate.
“Earlier we were assured that traffic will be diverted from October 15 but it did not materialise. Now, the crack in the gate is deepening which is becoming threat to the existence of the historical gate,” said Superintendent Archeologist, ASI, CB Mishra. He stated that its repair work is proposed and they are in regular touch with the district administration. “As soon as the district administration diverts the traffic, we will start our work to conserve the historical building,” he added. He further said that repair work should commence soon as this crack could prove fatal to its identity.
On his part, ADM (City), OP Pathak informed that a meeting in this regard will be held on January 20 to take a final decision. “Main issue would be diversion of traffic as demanded by ASI and it is expected that decision would be taken on the same day,” he added.
As per the local beliefs, height of this historical gate is almost 60 feet and was built in the year 1784. This gate with lavish decoration and delicate carvings was constructed by Nawab Asifuddaula during his reign. Another interesting thing about this gate is that it is also known as ‘Turkish Gate’ as it is identical to gateway at Constantinople.