After a month’s work, the Highways Department has restored Anna Arch back in its original position. The arch, which was cut at the points where it joins the pedestals on either side, has been affixed without compromising its strength or alignment.
Works including welding, clamping and lapping of steel rods in the interior of the structure and chemical bonding were carried out to join the steel rods and concrete core of the arch.
The repair was required as one of the twin arches Avenue and Poonamallee High Road was cut as part of work to demolish it to make way for a Rs.117 crore flyover.
However, the government decided to retain the arches that were constructed to mark the platinum jubilee of former Chief Minister C.N. Annadurai.
After Deepavali, work to fix the eight ‘Anna Pakshi’ and eight karuku or floral designs would be taken up by Sthapathi S.Santhanakrishnan, a relative of Ganapathi Sthapathi, who had done the works on the Anna Arch originally.
“I will commence work at the site itself as I want to retain the original style. It will take between a week and ten days. I am keen that at the end of it, nobody should be able to find a difference,” said Mr. Santhanakrishnan, who has worked under Ganapathi Sthapathi at the Tiruvalluvar statue in Kanyakumari.
After the completion of the Sthapathi’s work, the cleaning and painting of the two arches will begin. Vehicles will be most likely allowed passage through the arches by mid-December.
Meanwhile, the revised alignment for the flyover has been finalised and will soon be placed in front of a high-level committee for approval.
Keywords: Anna Arch, Highways Department, twin arches
Was wondering if this beautiful piece of architecture that symbolizes our ancient Indian architecture would have to be sacrificed for a flyover. Happy to note that the government is retaining the Anna Arch designed and constructed by my Guru Dr. Ganapati Sthapati.
Architect Krithika Karuppiah
Dear Editor,
Apropos the article title " Anna Arch back in original standing", it is sad to note the undeserved attention the concrete structure has received from the Tamil Nadu government.
En route the Metro network in Chennai and the road network being built in TN, thousands of trees are being cut on a regular basis. However, it is appalling to observe that no one seems to cry for the trees which are necessary for our life.
What a waste of public funds to first pay to cut and damage it and then pay again to fix the damage! As long as it is the tax payer's money, wasting it is not an issue, is it?
It is a good thing that the Anna Arch has been restrengthened with more steel and concrete, and Ms. Jayalalitha must leave a market of good administration and develop the city and Tamil Nadu well.
Glad to have it back.
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