To train its officials across the country on the correct use of lime — an essential binding medium popularly used in restoration and conservation projects — the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) organised the 8th lime training workshop in association with the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC).

Twenty eight ASI officials from 12 state circles are attending several field and laboratory sessions at the Humayun’s Tomb as part of the week-long workshop from November 9 to 13.

“As part of the urban renewal project in the area, monuments like the Humayun’s Tomb, Sundar Nursery and Nizamuddin Basti are currently undergoing conservation work using lime. The project is being used as a training opportunity,” Sangeeta Bais, conservation architect, AKTC and coordinator for the workshop told Newsline. “After the completion of the workshops, it is hoped a comprehensive manual for lime mortar use in India can be prepared.”

The project, which began in September last year and is co-funded by Sir Dorabji Tata Trust, aims to train conservation assistants, foremen and chemists who are regularly involved in restoration work of heritage structures. The workshop focusses on the process of mortar testing, chemistry of lime, details of the source material and how to effectively use lime.

K N Shrivastav, Director General, ASI, said, “The use of lime is an age-old practice and involves ancient technology, which most officials are unaware of. Such training sessions help to acquaint them with correct practices. We want to train a large section of officials across the country so that they develop technical knowhow and can effectively conserve heritage structures under our jurisdiction.”

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