HC satisfied with steps taken by CMDA

CHENNAI: Satisfied with the steps taken by the CMDA for preserving the Gokhale Hall on Armenian Street in George Town, a heritage building, the Madras High Court has disposed of a writ petition praying for directions to the government to preserve the Hall.Having regard to the measures taken up by the CMDA as stated in its report dated Oct 31, last year, we are satisfied that if the said measures were taken, it would protect the hall. In view of this, the writ petition was disposed of, a division bench comprising Justice Elipe Dharma and Justice N Kirubakaran said on January 24.The CMDA’s report stated that as recommended by the Heritage Conservation Committee, various measures were being taken to preserve the building. They included uprooting/eradication of all vegetation growth, retention of all wooden and other materials including floor planks, wooden roof joints, windows and door frames and shutters which might be required for restoration, removal of all debris and protection of the building from rain and weather by temporary covering of weather proof materials and ensuring proper drainage of rain water from the premises to the drain.