A struggle to stand the test of time

This photo dates to June 1961.

A number of the city’s old, heritage have been feeling their age, of late, due to ravages of fire and time

Like any other old city, Madras or Chennai, too, is recognised by its buildings — landmark structures that have come to be the physical manifestation of the city’s defining characteristics.

A number of these buildings are living history, housing offices where people go about their daily business under the domes and columns. Some of them have however been feeling their age, of late, due to ravages of fire and time. Their Burma teak rafters have come crumbling down along with the lime and mortor plaster.

Monsingh Devadas of School of Architecture and Planning, Anna University, said the Chennai cityscape displays varied architectural styles. “Hindu, Indo-Saracenic, Victorian and Contemporary are some of them. It is something unique. It also has a long history. But innovations have to be made to preserve this unique heritage,” he said

The National Art Gallery in Egmore is one of the buildings receiving much-needed restoration measures. The gallery, which was declared open in 1901, initially housed the Victoria Technical Institute. The Heritage Conservation Committee (HCC) had recently given its nod for the original tiles to be replaced with thermo tiles to reduce the air-conditioning load. The initiative is also aimed at preventing fire accidents.  

“Most heritage buildings are landmarks. They are indelible in people’s minds. So we restore them to their original condition with minimal technical modifications that address the emerging problems,” said an official of the Chenani Metropolitan Development (CMDA).

The restoration of the gallery’s pink sandstone exterior, Madras plaster walls, stucco art and a doorway inspired by Emperor Akbar’s Fatehpur Sikri seems to have evoked interest in heritage among officials, he said

“Fire safety is the primary concern now. Efforts are under way to remove inflammable materials stored on such premises,” the official added

Victoria Public Hall, which was built by Namberumal Chetty in 1887, is also being restored by Chennai Corporation.

Buildings to come under scanner

The city’s Heritage Conservation Committee, comprising architects, archaeologists, engineers, officials and urban planners, is all set to commence an inspection of heritage buildings as part of the measures to prevent accidents and damage to the structures. Visits and interaction by the committee members with people associated with the heritage premises are also likely to throw light on the signature of Chennai’s architectural heritage.

The inspecting officials will track the traces of deterioration and regulate the storage of inflammable materials in such buildings. The committee will also take measures to prevent damage from fire to Tanjore, Mughal, Deccan and Kangra paintings housed in these heritage structures. 

The Hindu 3 Aug 14