The Hindu : Front Page : Re-construction of college library in Pudukottai nearing completion

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Tuesday, Oct 23, 2007
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Re-construction of college library in Pudukottai nearing completion

M. Balaganessin

Renewed vigour: A view of the library at H.H. The Rajah’s College in Pudukottai.

PUDUKOTTAI: Exquisite heritage features in the exterior have been retained in the re-constructed library block of H.H. The Rajah’s College here.

Finishing touches are now being given to the block, which suffered a total roof collapse in November 2003. The block has been refurbished with an additional floor with two classrooms, easing the space constraint of the institution considerably.

The block in the 125-year-old building was constructed during the erstwhile Pudukottai Samsthanam era for housing a school.

The height of 13.6 metres has been divided into two floors in the structure that is 7.2 metres wide and 25.8 metres long.

The Higher Education Department sanctioned Rs.28 lakh last year after the damage suffered by the library was highlighted in these columns. The work is being carried out by the Public Works Department. “The re-construction has been carefully executed ensuring the architectural beauty of the Samasthanam era,” said the Assistant Executive Engineer, PWD, M.M. Chins. The process of injecting cement slurry was adopted to achieve this end. All the hollow portions were strengthened and 20 pillars had been raised during re-construction.

There were balconies on either side in the original structure and wall racks up to their height. Only mangled iron rods of the balconies remained after the collapse.

The additional floor that holds the two classrooms has been constructed in the place of balconies. Also, the underground passage leading to a room for librarians at a corner has been closed in the new structure. The structure would henceforth serve twin purpose, said the Principal K. Narayanasamy.

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