Patna, 10 December 2024, Vikas Kumar Ojha (Ground Zero report): Patna Collectorate building, built newly, was inaugurated by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar by unveiling the plaque and ribbon-cutting. After the inauguration, Chief Minister inspected the Collectorate building, including the basement and all floors up to the fifth level. In a detailed model presentation, the officials briefed him about the facilities and arrangements for officers’ offices.
Part of the old Patna Collectorate building, particularly the eight iconic pillars, has been preserved in an iron frame near the main entrance of the new complex. The Chief Minister appreciated the effort, saying that this old structure has been beautifully preserved by giving space where visitors can relax under greenery. He planted a tree in the premises too.
Unique Features of the New Building
On the ground floor, Mahatma Gandhi’s famous quotations are inscribed, which include “Seven Social Sins” and “Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s needs, but not every man’s greed.” The Chief Minister appreciated the initiative and mentioned that future generations will learn from this that social harmony and environmental protection will always be there.
On the fifth floor, the Chief Minister reviewed the seating arrangements for officials and inaugurated the District Magistrate’s new office by symbolically seating him. He emphasized that the new offices would enable efficient resolution of public issues and ease administrative processes under one roof.
At the inauguration, the Chief Minister chaired a review meeting in the main auditorium on the fifth floor. A short film on the new Collectorate building, prepared by the Building Construction Department, was shown. The Chief Minister thanked the District Magistrate, Dr. Chandra Shekhar Singh, and other officials for their major contribution to the completion of the building.
The new Collectorate building construction started in 2022 after the COVID-19 pandemic and a Supreme Court stay order. The ₹186.42 crore project was completed within about 18 months. The facility is five floors with a basement, providing open parking for 205 vehicles and basement parking for 240 vehicles. Historical elements of the old Collectorate, such as brick columns inspired by Dutch architecture, have been preserved and displayed to honor the building’s legacy.
Chief Minister’s Speech
Satisfied with the project, the Chief Minister said the building is one of its kind in India. He told the officials to maintain it well and use it effectively for public service. He also pointed out that the building will have solar energy, which will save much energy.
Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha, Minister for Building Construction Jayant Raj, among other senior officials, which included Principal Secretary Deepak Kumar and Chief Secretary Amrit Lal Meena, were in attendance at the function. Several other dignitaries and senior officials graced the occasion, considering the significance of this landmark development for the state.
