Rains cause most damage to heritage buildings

With the rainy season ahead, Dr. Nanditha Krishna, historian and Director of the C. P. Ramaswami Aiyar Foundation, said immediate action has to be taken, to maintain our heritage structures. “We shouldn’t wait for the heritage buildings to crack. Preventive restoration has to be done. Old buildings require constant maintenance. Now, we need to take up the maintenance on a war footing, especially since the rainy season is here. Rain is detrimental to old buildings,” she reiterated.

Many experts believe that maintenance, when implemented as a preventive measure, is the best step towards conservation of a heritage structures. Dr. Ranee Vedamuthu, Chairperson, Faculty of Architecture and Planning, Anna University, said preventive maintenance will save our landmark buildings.

“There has not been proper preventive maintenance done on many of our old buildings. This entails simple steps such as draining rainwater and unclogging drains. These are very important measures. But nobody looks at conservation from this point of view – rather than look at a structure after it is damaged. It is not only about maintaining a heritage space but also creating awareness among the public of the importance of saving these structures,” she suggested.

Tara Murali, Co-Convenor of Chennai Chapter, INTACH, commented on the general attitude surrounding conservation of our heritage structures. “Restoration is extremely important in a city which has already lost many of its old buildings. Many authorities and owners, without adequate study, deem these heritage buildings unsafe, which then leads to their demolition,” she rued.

Dr. Nanditha added, “The attitude towards conservation is not good. Look at what happened to the Moore Market and what is happening to the Spencer’s building! People in Chennai want to break down old buildings and create modern structures. We need to protect our heritage buildings. Otherwise, what do we have to show of our past?”