Shillong: The 123-year-old St. Anthony’s LP School building in Meghalaya’s Shillong, a historic landmark known for its architectural significance, will be dismantled in December following the completion of annual exams.
Despite its historical value, the iconic structure could not withstand the test of time and meet modern safety standards.
Fr. Saji SJD, Director of Don Bosco Technical School, said that the historic structure will be replaced by a new four-story building designed to meet contemporary safety standards and accommodate the increasing student population.
The Meghalaya Urban Development Authority has approved the plans for the new building.
“This building no longer meets today’s standards for structural integrity. When you have close to 700 or 800 children, safety must come first. As much as we’re attached to it, we can’t let emotional value overshadow practicality,” he said.
The school administration is working diligently to ensure that classes continue uninterrupted throughout the demolition and construction phases, despite the logistical challenges involved.
The old building, which accommodated Nursery and KG, and classes 4 and 5 students, will be completely dismantled to make way for the new construction.
Fr. Saji expressed concern over the loss of this historic landmark amidst rapid urbanization and expansion. He stated, “Once the new, larger building is constructed, people may not even recognize the spot where this building once stood. It will soon become almost insignificant.”
The decision to dismantle the historic building has evoked mixed emotions among alumni and the community. While the building symbolizes history and tradition, its age has raised safety concerns for students.
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The addition of another concrete structure contributes to the increasing urbanization of the city, further eroding the unique essence of Shillong.
