Kuthirai Vandi Court - old colonial Court building of Coimbatore

Heritage structures and monuments continue to act as a link between the present and by-gone era. It is obvious without them we not only lose the history of that region but also the culture. When it comes to preserving the historical structure, in the last few years. the TN government has been taking serious steps in earnest to save them before they lose their value, crumple and turn into dust. Way back in March 2019 TN government under the PWD identified a list of several structures in urgent need of repairs across the state and chalked out plan to go about repair and restoration work. The structures included some in Pudukkottai, Nagapattinam and Coimbatore towns and they are all colonial buildings constructed during the Raj. PWD started assessment of the condition of heritage buildings across the State before embarking on their restoration work.

Kuthiraivandi court, Coimbatore facebook.com

Kuthiraivandi court, Coimbatore in ruins.thehinduimages.com

Near Avinashi road flyover, Coimbatore city located an old court building on a big plot of 2.6 acres. Built in 1863 to house judiciary magistrate court this building was known for its high ceiling and huge columns In the later time the locals used to call it kuthiraivandi court- a wired name. This particular court was popular for fining the drivers of horse-drawn carts for violation of road rules in the past during the colonial rule..

.Kuthiraivandi court, Coimbatore, TN simplicity.in

The government already allotted Rs 9 crore for repair and restoration work and the work has been going on in a full swing. PWD is doing restoration after judicial recommendation and the structure has two large chambers with Madras terrace ceiling. A masonry structure, mostly lime-mortar and brick were used in the construction.

Heritage restoration, Tamil Nadu. thehindu.com

A few years ago the old structure was severely damaged caused by overgrowth of vegetation and trees. The tree roots started growing into the thick walls, creating cracks and crevices. The primary culprit was mechanical weathering caused by root wedging. The wooden structure's, including the rafters in the ceiling were badly damaged because of continuous seepage during rainy seasons. On account of excess damages major portion of the building could not be restored. However, the conservationists were of the view that the old structure could be replicated with modern techniques. They salvaged the old bricks as much as they could from the structure and followed the old technique - using the same lime and mortar. The well-trained carpenters are working on the wooden frames for doors, windows and rafters in the roof marching the old ones. The restoration work got delayed owing to COVID 19 Pandemic

The Public Works Department had assessed 20 buildings, such as courts, schools and registration offices in various districts, including Chennai. They already renovated part of Chepauk Palace, a landmark building in Chennai. It suffered heavy damages in 2013.

The PWD is also preparing estimates to renovate heritage structures in the city. “We are planning to renovate the roof of the Connemara library after a gap of 13 long years. Also included are many Indo- Sarasonic buildings of Chennai - Government Central Press, Mint, the historic tower clock building in Madras University and its roof will also be repaired. Chennai, particularly on Kamarajar Salai,. Many of them lie neglected for a long time. There is also a proposal to renovate Governor's Bungalow, another heritage building constructed in 1860 in Coimbatore, located on Trochi Road, and convert it into a museum. The list includes Alamparai Fort on East Coast Road, Manora Fort in Thanjavur and structures in Gangaikondachola Puram. The awareness augurs well for the future of old structures of beauty and splendor.

https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/exercise-on-to-identify-historical-structures-badly-in-need-of-repair/article26451071.ece

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/coimbatore/kuthirai-vandi-court-building-renovation-work-gathers-pace/articleshow/85441483.cms

https://www.dtnext.in/News/City/2018/10/22025722/1092867/Training-for-labourers-in-heritage-care.