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| image.N. Krishnan S en.wikipedia.org |
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| Mahatma Ayyankali Hall Victoria web.com |
Prior to 2019 for a long period because sheer negligence on the part of the city administration and state government officials, this strikingly attractive colonial building, a state recognized heritage structure, had been in a state of total neglect. With the passage time, this one of the oldest public buildings in the city deteriorating in the albescence of period repairs and conservation efforts parts such as slanting tiled roof, ceiling, wooden flooring, windows other historical features face ruin. The problem is further complicated by the SW monsoon (July September) that brings in heavy rain falls. Consequently the outer walls become dampened and the ceiling may cause leakes.
Periodic conservation efforts and regular maintenance are a necessity to protect the heritage structure. Across, India the same pathetic conditions prevail among the public buildings under the governments. Respective state governments and city officials focus on the condition of the heritage building and allocate adequate funds on a priority basis.
According to the State Town and Country Planning Department there are about 190 heritage structures, a preponderance of them come under non-protected. The officials say that Archaeological Survey of India.have no role as far as conservation of unprotected heritage structures.
The Town hall building needs immediate conservation efforts, following conservation guidelines and norms. Damaged roof, tiles waterproofing, new false ceding, installation of new air-conditioned must be given immediate attention.
Red Tapism is a menace in all departments across India primarily because of enforcement of laws related to official works. There needs to be ''a system to monitor and ensure the regular conservation and state of heritage structures in the capital''. The hall should be immediately renovated, and proper guidelines regarding the usage of the hall issued, an official added. In the case of Kerala state the General Administrative Department (GAD) delays to release funds for the conservation project which aims at maintaining the architectural heritage, preservation, restoration of historic materials and modification. ''The monument is slowly losing its heritage fabric,” said social activist and actor Sajitha Madathil.This structure is pushed to a pathetic stage owing to lack of a ppropriate maintenance at the right time and periodic maintenance.
Despite pending major repair works of damaged portions in the interior parts, to get income, it is pathetic to see the organisers of the events go to the extend of holding in the main hall, by covering up the blight and shabby portions using decorations. When events are being held the ruined wooden floor right in front of the stage due to regular hammering of nails to fix the red carpet, gets further damaged the stage and the heritage parts. The sheen and glamor of the Hall, having been take beating before is facing a stage that need lots of works for redemption.
A grant of Rs 10 crores was which was inadequate due to cost escalation. The proposal included better lighting for the stage, Permanent audio-video equipments, etc. Apart, the PWD had a plant to build temporary pavilions, better landscaping, parking facilities and renovation of old compound wall and gate the PWD is planning to refurbish the yard with landscaping, temporary pavilions, parking area and renovate the compound wall and gate. This post is based on the following:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahatma_Ayyankali_Hall
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