After the restoration work of Kalas Mahal, the ball has been set rolling for the restoration of the nearly 247-year-old Humayun Mahal, a part of Chepauk Palace.
Recommendations
The Public Works Department (PWD) has submitted recommendations to constitute an expert committee that would choose a conservation architect for restoration of Humayun Mahal. The heritage structure is part of the cluster of buildings inside the PWD complex on Kamarajar Salai.
It may be recalled that the Humayun Mahal had suffered damage on its roof and a minor fire in the past two years.
Sources in the PWD said that the restoration will be done on the lines of Kalas Mahal.
Planning
The technical committee recommended by the PWD will comprise the engineer-in-chief (PWD), Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority chief urban planner and Anna University Dean of School of Architecture and Planning.
The government may include more experts in the committee.
The committee will call for expression of interest from conservation architects and choose the best suited among them for renovating the Humayun Mahal. It was classified as a Grade-I heritage structure built in Indo-Saracenic style.
Two blocks
According to Prince of Arcot website, the eighth Nawab of the Carnatic Muhammad Ali Wallajah built the Chepauk Palace. It comprised two blocks- Kalas Mahal and Humayun Mahal.
The chosen conservation architect will have to plan all the restoration activities, including use of materials and guide to prepare estimate based on which the State government will approve the project.
Work on the Humayun Mahal is expected to begin in a span of six months, sources said.
