Soon after the HR&CE minister made public plans to re-develop the temple’s old properties around Sri Kapaleeswarar Temple, Mylapore experts on heritage conservation publicly said that much thought must be given to such plans.
Mylapore Times featured two exclusive stories bringing out the views of the residents, temple activist (https://www.mylaporetimes.com/2021/08/re-development-of-sri-kapali-temple-zone-residents-worried-activist-to-take-issue-to-court/), architects and the former ASI chief (https://www.mylaporetimes.com/2021/08/re-developing-sri-kapali-temple-zone-architects-advise-state-to-respect-heritage-discuss-with-professionals/).
The two news stories have resulted in the HR & CE going slow on the demolition plans and now considering the best alternatives to implement the redevelopment plans.
D. Kaveri, executive officer, Sri Kapaleeswarar Temple told the Mylapore Times that the department is exploring options and alternatives.
While the need to build large parking facilities and a kalyana mandapam outside the temple premises is real, she said they were considering the genuine issues relating to demolition of old structures around the temple.
She said that they would look at taking the expert views of people like Satyamurthy (former ASI senior head) on the best way to implement the redevelopment plans around the heritage zone.
She also said that most of the residents in the heritage zone would be given alternate accommodation including in a place on Nadu Street.
- Report by S. Prabhu
No need for demolition of houses even in sannadi street as it will spoil the entire heritage structure of the temple and its proximity which has a long history not only in chennai but in the entire world which made it look upon
I don’t know where is the need for a kalyana mandapam. Already temple has aKalyanamandapam opposite to Sai Baba Temple, which can be upgraded and rebuilt. Alternatively they can demolish a few houses in Sannithi street and build a marriage hall. What residents reuire is not posh halls but compact, affordable mhalls where wedding and other functions can be conducted. The street adjoining temple houses can be demolished and small quarters for employees and a large public toilet for use of tourists may be constructed