Moves on to raze down clock tower

Efforts not made to conserve structure built to mark the coronation of King George V, say traders

In a shambles: The clock tower that was erected in memory of the coronation of King George V is no longer ticking and is in dire need of maintenance.

On the ever-busy stretch of Long Bazaar stands a British-era structure that has quietly served as a landmark for several decades. The clock tower, which was built to commemorate the coronation of King George V, is in a state of neglect. It is no longer ticking, and parts of the structure have suffered extensive damage in the absence of initiatives for restoration or maintenance.

As years have passed on, this red-bricked clock tower has almost faded into oblivion. Today, it serves as the entrance to the bustling flower market at Nethaji Market on Long Bazaar, known as Kripanandavariyar Salai.

According to an inscription on a stone on the clock tower, it was erected by the public in commemoration of the coronation of King George V and Queen Mary. The stone was laid on April 6, 1914 by the then Collector of North Arcot.

On the front of the tower is a stone in memory of those who took part and lost their lives in the World War. It carries an inscription “from this village 277 men went to the great war 1914-1919. Of these, 14 gave up their lives”.

Despite this historical significance, the clock tower is in a shambles. Shopkeepers said that authorities had not taken any efforts to conserve this structure. In fact, conservation of the clock tower does not find place in the Vellore Corporation’s proposal to modernise Nethaji Market.

New market

As a senior official said, “We will be razing down the clock tower to construct a new market here. So, there are no plans to take up maintenance work for the clock tower.”

While the clock has stopped ticking for nearly five years now, a tree that has grown atop the roof of the clock tower has caused structural damage.

A shopkeeper also pointed to the damages on the ceiling.

A section of the shopkeepers said the Vellore Corporation authorities were not taking steps to maintain and conserve the structure.

“More than five years ago, shopkeepers in Nethaji Market, including those selling vegetables and flowers, pooled in funds and repaired the historical clock and also took up some whitewashing work.

“In fact, the Vellore Corporation initially did not grant permission for us to do the work. But they permitted us later,” said a trader, on condition of anonymity.

“This is a historic structure for the Fort City but nobody is maintaining it. It is sad to watch it fall apart,” another trader said.