Officials to explore Raj Bhavan for more hidden bunkers, tunnels

After the discovery of a British-era bunker under Raj Bhavan, the office-residence of governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao, state officials and experts want to find out if the estate has more concealed bunkers or tunnels.

After the discovery of a British-era bunker under Raj Bhavan, the office-residence of governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao, state officials and experts want to find out if the estate has more concealed bunkers or tunnels.

In a meeting called by the governor on Thursday, experts contended that there must be more such structures at the gubernatorial complex (HT File Photo)

In a meeting called by the governor on Thursday, experts contended that there must be more such structures at the gubernatorial complex.

“When any such bunker was built for security purpose, it was built in numbers. The governor agreed with my opinion. Hence, it was decided to explore more such structures,” said Rajiv Mishra, principal of Sir JJ School of Architecture, who attended the meeting.

The bunker was discovered by state officials on August 12 after demolishing a temporary wall blocking the entrance. The 150-meter long bunker has 13 rooms that are presumed to be used for storing arms and ammunition by the British.

In the meeting, the decision was made to conduct a structural audit of the bunker for which IIT-Bombay is likely to be roped in. A comprehensive conservation plan for the bunker will also be prepared with the help of an expert committee comprising chief engineer PWD Pravin Kide as coordinator, Dr Sabyasachi Mukherjee, director Chhatrapati Shivaji Vastu Sangrahalaya, Rajiv Mishra, principal of Sir JJ School of Architecture, Dr M Nambhirajan, regional director, Archaeological Survey of India.