WITH reference to the article, Fiddling with Heritage (April 18), the architectural heritage of Karachi is this city’s precious treasure, and architects, students and conservationist are deeply concerned that unless it is protected, it will be lost forever.

However, the relocation of Nusserwanjee building deprived the historic Kharadar area of its architectural heritage. The offer of buying the stones of a historic structure condoned the destruction of the building by the very professionals who should have taken steps to save it according to the KBCA building regulation’s of protection of buildings of architectural heritage according to Government of Sind ordinance. Nusserwanjee building was one of the better-preserved structures on a list of 600 identified with great diligence and professional competence by Heritage Foundation, an organization that helped to promulgate the ordinance.

The Oversee committee of KBCA has a member representing Indus Valley School of Architecture and Art and other prominent architects; it is entrusted to ensure that KBCA actions conform to all prescribed rules and regulations. Therefore it was most unfortunate that Nusserwanjee building was allowed to be demolished. Many NGO’s and prominent citizens outside the KBCA loop have vigorously campaigned to preserve many historical structures, and on occasions have succeeded.

The original building of heavy masonry, of load bearing structure was built on soil condition acceptable for a simple strip foundation. But the Clifton site is a reclaimed land requiring a column and beam structure. There an expensive raft foundation was laid to accommodate frame structure as well as the heavy masonry stone not as load bearing but as cladding. This is contrary to Bilgrami’s assertion that building regulations were changed and construction cost was not higher than other constructions in that area.

The relocation project is the result of clever publicity and generous donations of the Karachi’s citizens. But unfortunately the project has not set any precedent in the field on ‘conservation of architectural heritage’, as admits S A Bilgrami. It has not advanced the much-needed projects to preserve our heritage. Karachi has a rich treasure of architectural heritage buildings and sadly these are disappearing fast. We need serious professional concern and lots of funds from caring citizens to preserve these for the enjoyment of today and to pass on to coming generations to know of their history.

The relocation of the Nusserwanjee building may be the largest in south-east Asia, but it will always be seen as a fancy folly in the middle of Clifton’s food bazaar while visitors to Kharadar will sorely miss its architectural heritage building.

OWAIS HASIN
Karachi