The founder of our Institute, Bharat Ratna Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya Ji, established the Banaras Engineering College, BENCO in a single shed in January 1919 without any financial support from the British Raj at that time. Prof Charles A. King, the first Principal of BENCO, established a Steam Engine based power generation plant at BENCO IN 1921, which not only provided training to students but also electrical power to the entire BHU campus and Varanasi city up to ASSI Mohalla.
Since the power generation was small and the demand was high, electricity was supplied in shifts in hostels and important establishments only. In 1930, the power system was augmented further, and a 100 feet tall Chimney on the existing pedestal was erected. In 1950, the demand for power reached 2000 KW and the boiler was operative till then. During late 1950’s, the A.C. power supply was made available in (BHU), Varanasi. However, the Chimney stood as a symbol of past glory of BENCO.
Old Chimney and it'spedestal
During the 1980s, due to strong storms, a part of the top portion of the Chimney broke down and fell and another small portion was broken and hanging precariously, causing danger to the nearby buildings. The same situation continued till the new Chimney took shape in 2019. Since then, it has remained a testimonial of the old days of BHU till recently.
BENCO Chimney in 1930's
During one of the Alumni get together of the 1982 batch, Mr. P. Ramachandran, who had a flourishing business in Chennai of making thermal furnaces/chimneys etc., volunteered to establish a chimney of similar height at his own expense and get it erected at the place of the old Chimney and the result is what we see today. Incidentally, Mr. P. Ramachandran is a metallurgist and has a great fascination for BENCO, and he even named his industry as BENCO Thermal Technologies Pvt. Ltd.
The Chimney was manufactured in Chennai, transported in 3 Pcs on trucks to Varanasi, and welded and assembled at the site of the old chimney. A crane of 200-ton capacity was hired, the old Chimney was removed, and a new chimney was erected on the same old pedestal without disturbing it’s originality. The process of dismantling the old chimney was a challenging job as the space available around the Chimney was very limited for the movement of the crane. The Chimney had clay and firebricks lining inside. I wish to share with you that all the clay bricks and fire-bricks were perfect in shape and size and ‘BHU’ was embossed in the frog of each brick. Some of them are stored for future demonstration.
Since the new chimney was not having brick lining inside, it’s deadweight was reduced significantly and the chimney had to be redesigned against the wind pressure and stability. The members of BAA in collaboration with the faculty members and PhD students of Civil Enginneering Department IIT (BHU), redesigned the new chimney using modern techniques.
The alumni community desired that the originality of the foundation and pedestal should be maintained if possible. To honour the wishes of the alumni, the testing of the foundation was undertaken and we were surprised to see that all the 16 bolts each of 20 mm diameter were not rusted even after 100 years. The team decided to use the same foundation, supporting plates and the bolts and the new chimney may be erected using the same pedestal. This was a happy memory that this has been made possible with the help of many experts from Civil Engineering Department.
The dismantling and erection was undertaken by a 250 ton crane and 3 smaller cranes of 15 ton each ( hydra ) were employed. The job was very challenging as there was very little space available for the maneuvering of the cranes. On one side, there was the tall historical NCC Building, probably the first building of BENCO. However, the job was completed in 3 days, successfully, and the new refurbished chimney with ladders is before you. The aviation light was also installed at the top of the chimney. The BENCO crest on a plate was engraved by laser printing and was also installed on the chimney at a visible height.
The chimney was duly inaugurated on Wednesday, January 29, 2020 by Honourable Director Prof. P K Jain in the presence of a large number of alumni of 1970 batch and their families celebrating golden jubilee. On this occasion, Deans, faculty members, and students were present. Mr. P Ramachandran could not join the Inaugural function because of his engagement abroad at the time.
The Inaugural stone was placed on the wall of the pedestal, and I’m proud to say that The Benares Alumni Association of IIT BHU was given due recognition for its efforts in facilitating the whole process and it’s name was also included on the Inaugural stone.
BAA expresses its gratitude towards Prof. S.K. Sharma of Department of Mechanical Engineering, IIT (BHU) who not only motivated for the project, he was present all the time during the dismantling and erection of new chimney. We are also thankful to workshop staff. The alumni community and the Institute will always remain obliged to our alumnus Mr. P. Ramachandran (MET '82), Director, Benco Thermal Technologies Pvt. Ltd., Chennai, for his generous and heartening contribution to the Alma Mater.
We are happy to inform that the responsibility of maintaining the chimney was also undertaken by BAA and the chimney was repainted recently with the financial support of the donor.
"Silent it stands majestically through seasons and years, worn by the winds of love of the onlookers, taking on the emotions of the proud students and the dedicated staff B E N C O Chimney never fails to evoke a passionate love for the great institute bequeathed to millions by the great Malaviyaji.
A humble part from self in restoring the past glory with the support and guidance of indefatigable respected Prof. Ramji Agrawalji”
Mr. P. Ramachandran (MET '82)
