Mahakalapada: A historic red-brick building in Jamboo under this block of Kendrapara district, once believed to have served as a meeting place for British administrators, is now in a dilapidated state, owing to years of neglect.
The imposing structure is believed to have been built before the 1866 (Na’Anka) famine and is regarded by local residents as an important reminder of the region’s colonial past.
The building was constructed using large red bricks, lime, jaggery and lac, with teakwood and iron beams supporting the structure. According to local accounts, the building was once used by British officials for administrative meetings and was also associated with the colonial system of administering punishment to local people.
However, the structure has gradually deteriorated due to a lack of maintenance. Miscreants have allegedly removed iron and wooden components from the building, leaving it increasingly exposed to rain and strong winds.
Jamboo sarpanch Biswajit Basu said the building is in such a precarious condition that it could collapse at any time.
Funds were reportedly earmarked for its restoration in 2016, but the proposal was later cancelled. Local residents have urged the administration to take immediate steps to restore and preserve the historic building before it is lost completely.