Source : The Hindu Date : 18.06.2009
Puducherry Municipality building cries out for attention
Serena Josephine. M
| “Tenders will be floated for carrying out renovation works” |
Photo: T. Singaravelou 
in NEED of repairs: A dilapidated portion of the Puducherry Municipality building on Beach Road. —
PUDUCHERRY: One of the popular heritage buildings in town, the Puducherry Municipality building, is in a dilapidated state and in need of immediate renovation. Steps to strengthen the structure have moved at a snail’s pace, causing extensive damage to the historic building.
Situated along Beach Road, the municipality building, popularly known as Marie Building, has been crying for attention for years.
The ceilings have started to crumble, posing hardship to the staff of the local body.
“The building is over 100 years old. A few days ago, the ceiling of the State Finance Commission office inside the building started to develop cracks,” Commissioner of the Puducherry Municipality S. Kuppusamy said.
Around 500 employees are working at the Marie Building. A proposal to renovate the building was placed before the council meeting and approval obtained.
“Tenders will be floated to carry out renovation. However, alternative arrangements to accommodate the municipal office during the renovation works have to be made,” he said.
The council had given the nod to carry out initial works such as the preparation of a report on the renovation at the total cost of Rs. 89,000 through the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH).
According to S. Kothandaraman, Professor of Civil Engineering, Pondicherry Engineering College, the building was under “structural distress” owing to its age. He submitted a study report to the government on the state of the building almost a year ago.
“A portion of the building is weak. There are wide cracks which might lead to partial collapse,” he said.
“Renovating and retrofitting measures should be implemented immediately. There are a number of ways to protect the building. Meticulous planning alone can protect the superstructure,” Mr. Kothandaraman said.
INTACH had conducted a study of the building along with an expert from the Indian Institute of Technology-Madras.
“We submitted a proposal a year ago and another one a couple of weeks ago. We studied the building, made proposals. What is needed is speedy action including funds. Further delay may worsen the condition of the building,” architect co-convener of INTACH Ajit Koujalgi said.
Rafters should be replaced and the building made water-resistant, he added.
