Cracks in facade of Ripon Building due to Metro Rail work widen

The excavations done by the Chennai Metro Rail below the building, the Ripon, which is the seat of Chennai Corporation in the city, are coming under scrutiny as the general public feel that one of the oldest symbols of culture and heritage in the city could be in danger. 

People, who pass by the building, can see the deep cracks, some of which seem to have been hurriedly patched up. The exteriors of the Deputy Commissioner (Works) office as well as a meeting room show signs of damage. 

Historian V Sriram, whose post about the same topic in social media was heavily debated on forums, says that the absolute lack of concern about the issue is distressing. “The CMR has caused so much damage to the city’s heritage – but every time an issue is raised, people keep talking about how important the rail is! I agree it is important for the city’s development, but not at the cost of destroying our culture.” He adds in his blog that the Metro Rail has claimed it has nothing to do with the fissures but it may not be able to escape for much longer – “All that has been done is that monitors have been placed at various places in the premises to check on whether the fissures are widening. One of them is even now climbing up all the way to the top to the bell tower. When this tower falls, we will have the satisfaction of knowing that the monitors had already predicted it.” 

In reaction, the Corporation, when contacted, assures that they are well aware of the issue. “We are aware of the impact the CMR is causing on the Ripon Building, but if you notice closely, there is absolutely no cause for worry. There is nothing alarming about it, and a budget of around 56 lakh has been allocated to ensure it will be all fixed. A team of experts has already come in and analysed the damage, and it has assured us of the building’s strength. Moreover, all this is done under the scrutiny of IIT Madras as well,” a senior corporation official said. Another source tells us though the work on the Ripon will start only after the CMR progress is finished though. 

Attempts to contact the Chennai Metro Rail for comment were not fruitful.