Archive · 27 Oct 2025
North Block: Farewell to a Building of Bureaucracy and Animals
North Block, an old government building in New Delhi, is saying goodbye to its residents as they prepare to move.
This building, built in 1931, has housed important government offices like the Ministry of Finance.
It was home not only to people but also to a variety of animals, including mice, cats, monkeys, and dogs, each with their own routines.
The mice were active at night, while cats roamed freely.
Monkeys often visited, and dogs guarded the entrances.
The author, who worked in the building, reflects on the unique environment and the coexistence of humans and animals.
As the staff moves to a new building, they will carry their memories of the building.
North Block in Delhi is a historic building that housed government offices.
The building was home to both government officials and animals like mice, cats, monkeys, and dogs.
Mice were active at night, while cats were full-time residents.
Monkeys would often enter the building and the dogs guarded the gates.
The author, a government employee, reflects on the building's unique atmosphere as they prepare to leave.
- Who
- Government officials, animals, and staff
- What
- The relocation of government offices from North Block
- When
- Preparation for move to Kartavya Bhavan
- Where
- North Block, New Delhi
- Why
- Unspecified; no reasons given in the text
- Location
- North Block, New Delhi
- Purpose
- Housed offices of the Indian government
- Building Completion
- 1931
- Key Tenants
- Mice, cats, monkeys, dogs, and government staff
- Current Status
- Moving to Kartavya Bhavan
- Writer's Role
- Official Spokesperson, Central Board of Direct Taxes, New Delhi