Group files plea to protect heritage sites from vandalism

According to the petition, “Tamil Inscriptions on Temples and Archaeological Monuments are a record of our ancient history. These structures are being destroyed by vandals in the name of constructions, renovations, and grafting, sand blasting and painting on inscriptions.” 

It further adds, “Government of Tamil Nadu, HR&CE, Department of Museum, Department of Archaeology, Tamil Nadu and Tamil Nadu School Education Department should take action to protect both listed and non-listed monuments in the state.” Researcher-historian D Hemchandra Rao says scribbling names on monuments is vandalism too. 

“These monuments are hundreds and thousands of years old and proper measures must be taken during renovation. 

For instance, when a brick falls, instead of the traditional method, a cement mortar is used for patch work. This is also a kind of vandalism. But there are instances of good work too. The Madras High Court is home to the second lighthouse and the renovation done recently was as good as new.” He also spoke about the need for awareness among youngsters. 

Architect Thirupurasundari Sevvel, who started the social history group, says that awareness should also begin from the grassroots level. “We often talk to school children about protecting heritage and architecture. We should also conduct storytelling sessions for auto drivers, domestic help and tea shop owners, who visit these sites regularly.”