Decades-old structure to pave way for new commissioner office building building

AURANGABAD: Demolition of the over eight decade-old structure finally began on Thursday, paving the way for the new state-of-the-art police commissioner office building.
The state government has given its nod and allotted funds to the tune of Rs 24 crore for the construction of the eco-friendly building with over 60,000 sq ft construction area.
Authorities said in a bid to make the upcoming complex energy-efficient and a climate-friendly green building, at least 40% of the power will be sourced from solar panels to be mounted on the roof of the building.Sources privy to the project said efforts are on to ensure that the building reflects architectural character and regional context.
Ahead of the demolition, the back office as well as the passport office has been shifted to a commercial space opposite the CP's office. The DCP headquarters have been shifted to a residential bungalow neighbouring the CP's official residence.
As a makeshift arrangement, the police commissioner's chamber has been shifted to the passport office.
The current police commissioner office is spread over 22 acres in the erstwhile Moghulpura, a place where Moghul armies used to camp centuries ago. The area is also known as Kotwalpura, indicating police presence in the area.
In 1935, the Nizams constructed the building, which along with minor constructions including the sloping roof built in 1993, is spread over approximately 7,588.56 sq ft.
The existing structure was turned into police headquarters in 1991 when the city was officially upgraded as a commissionorate area by bifurcating the rural area and appointing a superintendent of police officer.
As per the contract, the new building should be completed in a year.
A senior officer said all the 22 sections, including the crime branch, special branch, cybercrime branch, CCTNS, Economic Offences Wing, control room, anti-terrorism cell, reader branch, modus operandi branch, motor transport section and others will get almost double the size of offices.
The earlier proposal of the Aurangabad commissioner of police's new office building spread over 50,000 sq ft at a cost of Rs 16 crore was turned down by the government. A while ago, a city-based private architect was hired and his proposal of the building was finalised by the police housing department.