The Hindu 20.04.2010
Rs.3.75 crore allotted to develop Tranquebar
Staff Reporter
| World Heritage Day observed by conducting competitions |
Display:Collector C. Munianathan looking at the display of exhibits on solid waste management organised by INTACH at Tranquebar on the occasion of World Heritage Day on Sunday. A. Annadurai, District Revenue Officer(extreme right), is also seen.
THARANGAMBADI: Tranquebar, lyrically called the land of singing waves, marked the site for World Heritage Day observation here jointly under the aegis of the district administration and at the initiative of INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage) on Sunday.
This is the first time the World Heritage Day has been marked at this site, an erstwhile Danish settlement in the district. Speaking on the occasion, Collector C. Munianathan pointed out to the symbolism of the event, and implied that this ought to trigger off significant observations in the future. The domestic and the foreign tourist traffic was about 61,000 the previous year and the target for the forthcoming year was 1 lakh. This would fructify by joint initiative of the government along with the local community, Mr.Munianathan said. According to him, this was possible only through creation of awareness amid the local population. Rise in tourism would ensure growth of ancillary services that thrive on influx of tourists. Awareness among auto drivers about the significance of the Danish heritage of Tranquebar was as much important for tourism as that of other institutional initiatives, the Collector stated. Additionally, the Central government has funded Rs.3.75 crore for development of Tranquebar. This envisages development of lawns inside the Dansborg Fort without compromising on its historical significance among other proposals. A week-long concessional entry is allowed in observance of the World Heritage Day.
Terracotta community
Further, a terracotta community workshop was organised by the Tranquebar Crafts Resource Center, and an exhibition on solid waste management initiatives involving over 2,000 households was on display at the House of Dr.Van Theiliegn, reportedly the last Danish settler and doctor to resettle to Denmark from Tranquebar.
“The initiative has been conceived to create awareness among students and people alike on the importance of the site, where they live,” Aasai Thambi, Senior Architect with INTACH said . INTACH has been involved in restoration of Danish architecture here and through its other initiatives has engaged the locals in conservation efforts.
The World Heritage Day celebration here marked by drawing and painting competitions for students would create a shared sense of conservation of heritage architecture, believes Mr.Aasai Thambi.
A rally was flagged off here by Mr.Munianathan with school students marching from Tranquebar market street up to the Dansborg Fort.
