In the last one decade, awareness to restore old heritage structures has been gaining currency across India, thanks to the media and to the heritage lovers. Of late state governments are vying with each other to preserve the age old buildings that stand as vestiges of past area. In this respect west Bengal, Kerala, and Gujarat are in a fast mode. States like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and other states have already started taking steps to save the slowly dying heritage buildings in their respective states.
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| .Victoria hall, Chennai. wikiwand.com |
Though it is a welcome move, special attention is to be paid to heritage structures, their conservation techniques, etc., without losing their old values and design.
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| heritage restoration hehindu.com |
Preservation of old building is not that easy and mere repair works here and there will not serve the purpose. To begin with recovery of such structure, though time-consuming, must be be done in a strict manner. Encroachment/illegal occupation around ancient monuments and sites has been a major menace.
A good heritage conservation strategy and planning includes all aspects of a region's heritage - historical, natural and cultural legacy and ethos. Conservation methods include various phases: holistic planning of deteriorating structures, resourcing matching construction materials, etc., consolidation, reproduction, reconstruction, preservation, rehabilitation, and restoration. Thorough understanding of structures, their history, aesthetics, construction materials used in he past, intricacies of design work done in them should be given primary attention.
The solution is approaching experienced conservation experts to carry out the work. To cite an example though restoration was done on the RSRM Choultry, Chennai (built in 1888) in 2020, the structure was not conserved in its entirety. The front part was restored, but the rest of the building was pulled down for no reason. Yet another annoying fact is the structure is now below the road.- impact of 2014 metro rail project. The very purpose of conservation is nor served. The Engineers approached the building carelessly. In the future, such mistakes should not be repeated. Yet another hurdle for the restoration agencies is cost of conservation of heritage structures that need special work, skill, etc. It may cost Rs. 9000/- plus per sq. foot.
That the TN Govt.'s PWD has embarked on a grand project to renovate 36 heritage structures at a cost of Rs.100.13 crore across the State, including some in Pudukottai and Kanniyakumari is a good news. PWD already gained needed experience after the renovation of 248-year old Kalas Mahal of Chepauk palace, Chennai that was severely damaged in a fire accident in 2012. The proposal included Registration building, George Town; Government Press, Mint and Clock Tower building, University of Madras in Chennai, including some educational institutions, court houses. It also covers hitherto unheard of Kuthiraivandi court or old labor court in Coimbatore.
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| Heritage restoration. thehindu.com |
As for heritage structures owned by private parties, many of them are disappearing as the owners are lured by real estate barons who are more interested in mark-ups than in their historical and cultural values.
The PWD already began the conservation work in earnest in the recent past and the work would continue as funds were made available. To resurrect the conservation of heritage structure in a poor state, a compressive and collaborative approach is a must coupled with the team's capability, technical knowledge and commitment to preserve the core of heritage values with original touch, besides such renovated structures can be put to adaptive reuse for contemporary purposes.
Some restored structures should be open to public to appreciate their history, architecture and culture. A good example is the recently restored Chepauk Palace of Chennai.
https://sriramv.wordpress.com/2020/02/13/making-a-sham-of-heritage-conservation/
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