Proposal for heritage structure at Fort St. George did not secure defence approval

A proposal by the DMK government to build a heritage structure in place of King’s Barracks at Fort St. George was not implemented, The Hindu reported. The proposed replacement was described as a multi-storeyed structure.

The available report does not provide the planned height, design, cost or intended use of the building. The proposal could not proceed because it did not receive approval from defence authorities. Those authorities retained control over the existing building, which was described as being on the verge of collapse.

The report does not state when the proposal was made, whether construction work began or what discussions took place between the state government and defence officials. It also does not provide details of the present condition of King’s Barracks beyond describing the structure as severely deteriorated. No further decision on the building was included in the supplied material.

The account does not say whether a revised plan has been submitted or whether the government and defence authorities have reached an alternative arrangement for the site.