Slackness in renovation of Gandhi Memorial Museum delays reopening

Renovation under way at Gandhi Memorial Museum in Madurai.
| Photo Credit: R. ASHOK

 Complexities in renovating the heritage buildings of Gandhi Memorial Museum in Madurai have delayed the progress of the work which was to be completed by 2023 or beginning of 2024. 

The renovation works commenced in October 2022, following Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s announcement regarding the renovation works during the 2022 Independence Day speech, said K.R. Nanda Rao, Secretary, Gandhi Memorial Museum. 

At first ₹6 crore was allocated for renovating the main building of the memorial which was built in 17th century by Rani Mangammal, he added.  

As that was the oldest building in the memorial which had three buildings – main building, library and museum, repair and beautification works were deemed essential, he noted.  

However, for carrying out other works like improving roads inside the campus, underground drainage and restroom facilities and increasing seating capacity in the open-air auditorium, memorial authorities sought additional fund from the government. 

Based on that, an additional ₹4 crore was allotted in 2024 for carrying out other works, he said.

To retain the uniqueness in the architecture and the quality of the construction, experts in heritage and architecture were roped in for carrying out the renovation works.  

However, slackness in works was observed due to the delay in expert opinion and procurement of materials required for the renovation, said an official. 

Further, as the buildings have a history dating back to the British rule in India, even a slight deviance from the usage of materials other than the ones advised would change the nature of the heritage buildings, the official added.  

As the first museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi in the nation was opened by former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in 1959 to preserve the structures and their uniqueness, works were carried out with perfection, said an official of heritage wing of the Public Works Department. 

As work was actually to be completed by September 2023, due to practical difficulties like sourcing funds, studying damage control mechanisms to avoid changes in structures while removing old structure, among others, the renovation work is prolonging, the official added.  

“After construction works are completed, installing AV theatre, digital explanation board would be started.”

Also, due to regular visits by the foreign tourists, handing over the buildings for renovation works by the museum authorities was not as per the schedule, the official said. “That was also a reason for delay in renovation.”

While they plan to complete the construction works by March, the remaining works would be started after that, the official added.  

“We plan to complete the entire work before Gandhi Jayanthi this year,” the official noted.