Nearly three years after Mairie, the iconic 19th century landmark collapsed in 2014 due to incessant rains, the foundation stone for rebuilding the structure was laid by Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy on Monday.
The project will be implemented by the Project Implementation Agency (PIA) while INTACH is the architectural consultant. The new building is expected to be completed in 18 months at a cost of ₹15.49 crore with World Bank assistance.
Mr. Narayanasamy said the new building would be a replica of the original structure which collapsed in 2014. The upcoming building would have all the architectural features of the previous structure which was built according to French design.
The government is also drawing up plans to preserve and conserve heritage buildings in the city which included the Aayi Mandapam. The government is also keen about developing heritage tourism and already ₹100 crore has been released by the Centre through the Union Tourism Ministry so far, he said. PWD Minister A. Namassivayam, Chief Secretary Manoj Parida and Secretary to LAD, P. Jawahar were present.
Built in 1870-71, the building was an important landmark in the city and formed a part of an ensemble of important structures such as the old lighthouse, Customs House and French consulate on the Goubert Avenue.
A symbol of power
Considered a symbol of French colonial power, the French named the premises ‘Town Hall’ (Hotel De Ville) which housed the office of the Mayor of the Puducherry Municipality, the Municipal Council, the Registry and other offices, including the office of Registrar of Births and Deaths.
“It was the biggest administrative building for 100 years and a symbolic landmark during the French regime. It was in this building that the first attempt at democracy for Puducherry was tried out during 1870-1900 long before the first general elections were held in British India,” according to Ashok Panda, co-convener, INTACH.
The building housed the Legislative Assembly of Puducherry for four years from 1964 (when the first general election was held in the wake of de jure transfer of power) before the Assembly was shifted to the present premises in 1969. It also provided facility for marriages and other public functions.
The eastern and western façade of the two-storied building featured arcaded entrance verandahs on high plinth accessed by a broad flight of steps in dressed granite. The first floor had coloured galleries and a large ceremonial hall with wooden flooring, he said.
