The historic geology and anthropology buildings at Government Museum in Egmore are getting a restoration and conservation makeover at Rs 10 crore. The work includes waterproofing, restoring the flooring, stitching cracks and applying lime plaster to the walls. Roof restoration is a major component of the project.
The Madras terrace roof of the geology building is being repaired, a portion of which collapsed earlier.
Chennai: The 18th-century Geology and Anthropology buildings at the Government Museum in Egmore are undergoing a ₹10 crore conservation makeover by public works department, to be completed by March next year. Wall strengthening and crack stitching works are also under way at both buildings, and around 30% of the work is already complete.
The conservation work involves roof restoration, flooring, wall plastering, and making the buildings waterproof, PWD officials said. The bricks and plastering of the old times are still good, and there are unique designs inside,” said a PWD official. It has Minton tiles dating back to the 1890s, the official said. Doors and windows will also be restored,” the official said. PWD officials said the project is being undertaken, with the old design and character of the buildings being retained rather than replacing them with modern structures.
Roof restoration forms a key component of the work. The Geology building has a reddish-brown Mangalore tile roof, a portion of which had collapsed. Roofing in the Anthropology building includes both the sloped Mangalore tile and flat Madras terrace roofing. “The Anthropology building is a bigger one compared to the Geology building, where work is happening. It is very structurally sound. The Anthropology building, which has a ground floor and a floor above, has a high ceiling, a stone staircase and a glass ceiling in the middle that allows light into the building. “When it rains, water leaks onto the floor. Work has been carried out to make it waterproof.