Urbanisation going through the roof? PWD road imperils Teen Mohre Gate
Bhopal: The historic Teen Mohre Gate in Bhopal, constructed in the 19th century, is encountering new problems despite undergoing restoration in 2018.
The public works department's newly constructed concrete road presents additional concerns.
The elevation of the new road has increased risks to the structure, as vehicles passing through might damage the gate's sensitive ceiling.
"The height of the gate is approximately 13 feet. However, due to the construction of cemented road, the new road the head room has decreased about 3.6 feet. Once regular traffic resumes, large trucks will be unable to traverse the road and any additional load on a bus or similar vehicle will strike the heritage gate.
Over the years, road reconstruction already resulted in reduction of vertical distance by around 1.5 feet," said heritage conservationist, SM Husain.
There is still an opportunity for corrections to be made, he added.
The sandstone structure, previously a part of the historic Taj Mahal Palace complex, underwent restoration utilising traditional methods to maintain its authenticity.
Conservation experts have cautioned against using cement-based materials, stressing the importance of appropriate restoration techniques.
Husain has advocated for these gates' preservation for years. At the beginning of the 2000s, driven by his commitment to heritage preservation, he personally initiated a minor restoration of the substantial walled bricks that endangered the structure's stability.
His notable achievement included restoring the ceiling by collaborating with Rajasthani craftsmen who specialised in traditional restoration techniques.
However, with urbanization pushing forward, the unintended consequences of infrastructure expansion are now threatening to undo past preservation efforts. Nadra Bus Stand, a major transit hub in the city, sees constant movement of buses and heavy vehicles passing through the archway.
While the new road was built to facilitate smoother traffic flow, the heightened surface has caused vehicles to bump against the monument's ceiling, intensifying structural strain.
Conservationists are urging authorities to reassess the project and find solutions that balance development with heritage preservation. They emphasize the need for engineering modifications that can reduce impact without compromising connectivity.
As modern construction reshapes urban landscapes, the fate of Teen Mohre Gate serves as a reminder that historical landmarks must not be sidelined in the race for progress, conservations said.
Whether corrective action will be taken to safeguard this architectural legacy remains to be seen, but time is running out, said a urban development consultant seeking anonymity. PWD, when contacted, did not respond.
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