Shimla: A massive fire broke out today early morning inside British-era building Gorton Castle at Mall Road, Shimla that houses the office of Audit and Accountant General.
The fire caused extensive damage to the building. It’s leaned that most of records in the top floor were burnt.
As per reports the fire broke out early in the morning still fire workers are not able to hold a control on it. A Govt official said fire tenders of civil and the Indian Army have been pressed into service. So far, eight fire-tenders have been pressed in service.
Gorton Castle was one of the most architectural marvels of the British Empire. This striking building of new-Gothic structure was completed in 1904. It had famous Rajasthan jaali work on its balconies and one floor paved with rosewood like timber blocks which were brought from Andaman Islands. The famous Sir Swinton Jacob was its architect.
Gorton Castle was the Civil Secretariat of the Imperial Government of India and housed the Legislative, Lands, Education, Home Health and Finance departments. Now it houses the offices of the Accountant General of Himachal Pradesh. This three floored building with about 125 small and big rooms became the seat of the Accountant General in 1947.
Pics: Prashant Thakur
