Puducherry: Marie Building reconstruction begins

Puducherry: The 143-year-old Marie Building, one of the important buildings in the territory in terms of its political and historical importance, would be reconstructed soon. Puducherry Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy laid the foundation stone for re-construction of the building here on Monday. “Heritage buildings are being protected and maintained with central assistance and the re-construction of the Marie building was taken up as a part of it,” said Mr Narayanasamy.

The building had collapsed in November 2014 and since then there was a demand that it be re-constructed, following which the government had announced the reconstruction of the building in a traditional way retaining the same design provided the foundation of the heritage building was ascertained strong enough for a storey addition.

 The World Bank had earlier allotted Rs 7.5 crore for renovation of the building and the restoration work was formally launched on October 3 2014.  The building would be reconstructed at a cost of Rs 15.40 crore for which Intach is the chief consultant. The building will be a two-storied one in an area of 34120 sq ft of which construction area will be in 15,400 sq ft.

Minister A. Namasivayam, chief secretary Manoj Parida, legislator K Lakshminarayanan among others participated in the function. Talking to newspersons after the function CM said that the official teams of different departments are ready round-the-clock to meet any situation arising out of the continues rainfall here. Steps were being taken to ensure that water is not stagnated in low-lying areas. Different teams comprising government officials are ready round the clock to meet any situation.