New materials too lend heritage finish
This is in reference to the news item ‘Heritage specialists needed in govt bodies’ (October 5, The Hindu ) on the reconstruction of the Mairie building. In the academic interest, I involved myself along with one of my colleagues since 2005 in the assessment of Marie building for safety and stability. I know pretty well the type of construction and materials used for the Mairie building.
As per the definition of heritage (as cited in the article) it should be “reconstructed by reassembling the components without introducing new materials.”
If this is the basis by which the decision on the reconstruction of the above building is to be taken then we are left with only two options. The first option is that the walls should be constructed with clay mortar. That is, every six layers of brickwork should be made of clay mortar and the seventh layer is made of lime mortar.
Further, the walls should be in the form of wythe. That is, clay mixed with brickbats is filled in between two brick walls. The total width of the walls should be 750mm.
The second option of is to reconstruct it with RCC. If appropriate specifications are drawn and construction procedure is followed, then the safety, serviceability, ductility, durability and sustainability of the RCC structure could be ensured simultaneously. The modern building materials are so versatile and flexible to accommodate any desired form, shape and finish. Today we have enough trained artisans (sthapathis) with expertise on material for heritage finish. With the blend of the above, Mairie could be given a robust rebirth for Puducherrians to cherish and benefit.
If we try to seek any third option then we not only violate the fundamental definition of heritage preservation but also jeopardise the very safety and longevity of the building.
S. Kothandaraman
Professor of Civil Engineering, Pondicherry Engineering College
AFT Mill workers left
in the lurch
This is with reference to a reader’s mail on reviving AFT Mill. I endorse the views of the writer. This export-oriented composite textile mill had international reputation and provided direct employment to more than 6000 persons. Its management was taken over by the government of Puducherry in 1986 and was administered by the top echelons of government officials whose postings on deputation were decided by politicians. Later, it went red for obvious reasons. As of now, the retired and voluntarily-retired employees are not paid their terminal benefits. The latter category of ex-employees has become senior citizens. They are left in the lurch for no fault of theirs. Even a court case could not cut the ice in this case.
B. Balasubramanian
Lawspet
Readers can send their mails to pondy.thehindu@gmail. com and The Hindu, No. 135 Mission Street, I Floor, Puducherry – 605001.
