Experts stress need for fire safety system

July 13, 2014 08:11 am | Updated 08:11 am IST - CHENNAI:

As many as 108 heritage buildings in the city have been included in the draft list by the Heritage Conservation Committee (HCC) for the Chennai metropolitan area, so far.

But measures to prevent damage to such structures due to accidents are yet to be taken by the State government.

The HCC is yet to assess the structural condition of the damaged State Bank of India building, which was classified as a grade-I heritage building in the first draft list.

The HCC is headed by the chief planer of the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA). The CMDA is yet to prepare a conservation plan for the existing heritage buildings owing to a delay in notification of a statutory list of all heritage buildings.

“Grade-I heritage buildings are of national or historical importance, embodying excellence in architectural style and design. They are the prime landmarks of the city. No intervention should be permitted either on the exterior or interior unless it is necessary,” said an official of CMDA.

“A ‘no objection certificate’ from fire service must be insisted on for all heritage buildings. The officials should inspect the structure frequently to find out whether systems to prevent fire accidents are in place,” said S. Santhanam, former member-chief urban planner, CMDA.

A conservation plan is likely to be prepared by the HCC and recommended to the State Bank of India. Funding options for the implementation of the conservation plan will be explored shortly.

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