Nearly 35,000 sq-ft of Makrana marble - similar to the one used in the construction of Agra's Taj Mahal - will be used in the restoration work of Haji Ali Dargah.
The project, to be undertaken in two phases, aims to restore three structures
Nearly 35,000 sq-ft of Makrana marble - similar to the one used in the construction of Agra's Taj Mahal - will be used in the restoration work of Haji Ali Dargah. Carving of the marble has already started in Rajasthan, though the project is still awaiting couple of sanctions.
If all goes well, the renovation work would start on Eid-ul-Fitr day on October 13.
The Rs9.2-crore project is envisaged to be completed in 30 months from commencement date.
"Though the permissions from the civic body, state and central governments have been sought, permission is awaited from city collector, to whom the land belongs, and the civic body's Storm Water Management for the disposal of debris," said an official from Haji Ali Dargah Trust.
Conservation architect Chetan Raikar said the grade II heritage structure will be restored using marble.
"Presently the structure, which is made of bricks, reinforced cement concrete and plaster, is eroding. This will be replaced by carved Makrana marble which is expected to last for the next couple of centuries.
Makrana marble was chosen after scientifically analysing nearly 40 samples of different types of marble. Makrana does not absorb air and waterborne components that cause erosion," he said.
The project, to be undertaken in two phases, will look to restore three structures. The first phase will include the restoration of the Mazhaar Sharif, the actual shrine and tomb, the masjid and the minar next to it.
The second phase will see the reconstruction of the dargah's office blocks. "All these structures are in a dilapidated condition. The height of the structure will increase by four feet.
The main structure will have no changes made to it and the style of Islamic architecture will be kept intact," said Raikar.
The entire expense will be borne by the Trust, though many Muslim donors have come forward and offered financial help.
"We have been moving files from department to department for the past four years. During this period the project's cost has gone up by more than double," said an office bearer of the Trust associated with the project.
The cost of the project was estimated at Rs4.75 crore, when envisaged in 2004.
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