The skyline of Dehradun is changing irreversibly as demolition crews work to bring down the city's historic Mansaram building. This action follows a direct order from the Uttarakhand High Court, sealing the fate of a structure that has stood as a testament to the city's architectural and commercial evolution for nearly nine decades.
The Rise and Fall of a Doon Landmark
Commissioned in the early 1930s by prominent banker Seth Mansaram, the building was envisioned as Dehradun's pioneering multi-storey commercial venture. Historians note that its design was inspired by the iconic Connaught Place in Delhi, with an architectural team specially brought from Mumbai to execute the vision. The construction was completed in 1940, coinciding with the establishment of the Mansaram Bank which operated from within.
However, the glory was short-lived. Soon after its completion, Seth Mansaram is believed to have faced bankruptcy. The property was consequently confiscated by his loan agency and later sold to the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC). For generations, the building served as a defining landmark, with its balconies offering a majestic view of the Clock Tower—a sight etched in the memory of old-time residents.
Safety Concerns and the Final Court Order
In recent years, the building's condition deteriorated significantly. The LIC, as the owner, declared the structure to be in a shabby state and posed a risk of collapse. These safety concerns ultimately led to legal proceedings. In December, the Uttarakhand High Court issued the final order for its demolition, and the razing work began promptly within the same month.
Despite its worn-out exterior, the building proved its robust construction during demolition. Workers on site reported that the structure was surprisingly solid, making the demolition process challenging and time-consuming. "The building still remains strong. The structure is quite solid, and it took us quite a while to get through it," one worker shared, highlighting the quality of its 1940s-era construction.
A City Mourns Its Historical Legacy
The sight of the demolition has sparked heartbreak and nostalgia among Dehradun's citizens. Many had fervently campaigned for the preservation of this architectural piece. Lokesh Ohri, founder of the citizens' group Been There Doon That (BTDT), expressed deep regret over the loss.
"The building was a historical landmark with special significance for bringing Dehradun into the modern age," Ohri said. He revealed that nearly seven years ago, petitions were made to the then-governor to preserve the structure and potentially develop it into a modern art gallery showcasing the capital's history. "Its demolition now is yet another historical loss for the city," he added.
The demolition is expected to conclude in the coming days, drawing the final curtain on an almost 90-year-old chapter. The disappearance of the Mansaram building marks the end of a physical link to Dehradun's early foray into modern urban development and leaves a void in its architectural heritage.
