LUCKNOW, Feb. 26 -- Even as student protests have brought attention to the dilapidated state of ASI-protected Lal Baradari on the Lucknow University campus, uncertainty persists over how the 19th-century heritage structure will actually be conserved and restored. Former head of the department of medieval and modern history at Lucknow University, prof Aroop Chakraborty, said, "The university should write to the Union ministry of culture for grants and the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) to take up restoration work. Even bodies like Agah Mirza Foundation can be approached for monetary and expert support in restoration of the monument." Historian PC Sarkar said that in medieval times, the term 'baradari' or 'baradwari' referred strictly to a hall or pavilion with 12 doorways - a characteristic feature of Islamic architecture. "By that definition, the large red-coloured structure with a 'tahkhana' does not qualify as a baradari. Apparently, there were three buildings within the premises, one of which was a square house washed in red ochre. This is the building that survives today as the Lal Baradari," he said. "A portion of the building collapsed in 2021, forcing authorities to cordon off the area. In 2024, it was announced that repairs would be undertaken under the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA), but no progress has been made so far," he said. Mohammad Haider, a heritage enthusiast, said the university should coordinate with the ASI, UP State Archaeology Directorate, or the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH). "The vice-chancellor must move a proposal to these three bodies, while funds can be mobilised through crowd-funding, cultural grants or alumni support," he said. Vice-chancellor prof JP Saini said the university was preparing a revised proposal for submission to the ASI after undertaking a fresh cost assessment. "A proposal of Rs.5 crore was sent in 2012, but subsequent damage necessitated a revised estimate. The updated proposal will be shared with the agency and industry partners concerned who may contribute CSR funds," he said....