PWD starts restoration work on 20 heritage sites in Tamil Nadu

The Public Works Department (PWD) has begun restoration work on 20 heritage structures in Tamil Nadu and plans to finish the work within two years. While restoration works on many British-era structures costing Rs 100 crore are at various stages of implementation, 13 more projects have been in line. The PWD is planning to finish the work within two years. Almost 45% of restoration work has been completed at the Registration Department building on Rajaji Salai, Chennai, and on the damaged roof and domes at the Tower Block building of the University of Madras. Officials said that the building on Rajaji Salai was built in 1864 spread over nearly 25,000 sq ft, and was destroyed due to ageing. Work on restoring the leaky Madras terrace roofing and wall plastering are being done at Rs 9.7 crore. Joint Chief Engineer, PWD, K P Sathyamurthy, said that the preliminary work was on rehabilitating a part of the Government Central Press at Mint, which was damaged during a fire accident in 2013. He said that the Humayun Mahal at Chepauk will be the first structure to be restored by the year-end. Approximately 80% of the Rs 33.95 crore project is completed. The other projects are in the initial stages due to labour shortage and difficulties in construction material transportation during the Covid-19 pandemic. The PWD building center and conservation division are executing the projects. PWD Superintending Engineer C. Kalyanasundaram said that the Kuthiraivandi court or old labor court and the Governor’s bungalow in Coimbatore. About 15% of the work to restore this historic court is over, and the structure will be available by May next year. Besides five projects in Kanyakumari district, heritage structures housing collectorates in Tiruchi and Madurai, the old district court, Salem, and munsif courts in Paramakudi and Manamadurai are also being restored. Image Source