Chennai: The years of negligence have spelled havoc for the four colonial era buildings on the plot on the Poonamallee artery high road at Kilpatuk.
142 land parcels belonging to the Kancheepuram Temple of Ekambareshwarar recently taken by the Hindu Department of Religion and Amal (HR and CE).
That’s when the fate of the magnificent building was once revealed.
They were destroyed by the vegetation that grew up from the wall.
Most doors and windows have been damaged and the iron fence was taken by the destroyer.
One building occupied by an individual up to two years has suffered the least damage.
But it also has a big gap on the main wall.
Two other buildings were emptied by the post department about five years ago and have fallen in the ruins.
Now, the HR & CE department has requested permission from Greater Chennai Corporation to destroy the structure.
This department considers restoring them, but will be proven expensive and the stability of the structure will not be guaranteed, said the SP & CE department’s source.
They said a consultant was appointed to learn whether the building could be used again as the department planned to hold universities on land.
Consultants have suggested that the building can be renovated at a cost of ₹ 10 crore, but they also have vertical cracks on the wall, the official source said.
“The building can be restored to be maintained as a monument.
But, it will be a risk to run it as an educational institution that accommodates students,” said HR and CE officials.
So, the department has decided to attract buildings.
“We have written a letter to Chennai Corporation in this case looking for their permission,” Officially added.