It is most unfortunate that there is scant regard for heritage building conservation across most parts of India. While in the West, there is great pride and investment in preserving heritage structures, it appears to be exactly the opposite in India. In Bengaluru for instance, the razing/destruction of the historic Krumbiegel Hall at Lalbagh and the University Visvesvaraya College of Engineering building was and is unnecessary. The most advisable and practical plan would be to rebuild and refurbish heritage buildings. Technology in the form of photogrammetry, spatial information system technology, computer-aided design and drafting, and 3D scanning can be used to rebuild the same structure, retaining all its features. State governments should accord priority to prolonging the life of old, historic and beautiful buildings and retaining our history.
C.R. Sathya Prakash,
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It was a surprise to learn that Chennai has a British-era air raid shelter, in north Chennai, and later a shock that it has now been partially demolished, largely the result of a deep ignorance of history (Some editions, “British era air raid shelter demolished”, December 1). The fact that Madras came close to being bombed is something that most youngsters in the city and State are bound to be ignorant about. There are several heritage structures in the city which are in a state of utter neglect and being eyed by the real estate mafia. One only hopes that the extensive work being done by a small and unrecognised band of historians and conservationists bears fruit and that the Tamil Nadu government is deeply convinced of the need to save the glorious heritage of Madras/Chennai. With the availability of advanced technology, is it so difficult?
Kamala Narayan,
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