Bharat Insurance Co, building, Chennai - this colonial heritage structure as of now is not repaired and restored

Because of irresponsible attitude of the central and state government officials, countless heritage buildings are bracketed for demolition to build new complexes in their places. Along with the demolition of them, we also lose a wealth of information on the structure its history, architecture and utility.

Roughly 125 year old Bharat Insurance Company building, that is in a dilapidated state, once would have been a remarkable structure of splendor and beauty on the ever busy Anna salai, Chennai. Its impressive Indo-Saracenic features popularized by architect Robert Chisholm and Henry Irwin can not be missed by inquisitive passers-by. Despite its rundown condition and damages, its aura is partially visible and its continued neglected state on account of government apathy - both central and state is to be condemnable and, it looks like a totally abandoned building purposely left to die a slow death. A decade ago this amazing building was ready to be pulled down by its owner LIC and fortunately it was saved from demolition through Court intervention. Without any periodic repair work or maintenance, BIC building is disintegrating particularly exterior portions speeded up vagaries of weather changes.

Abandoned Bharat Insur. Co, Chennai. picxy.com

Built way back in 1897. it was bought by the Bharat Insurance Co in 1934 and after independence it became part of LIC owned by the central government.

Abandoned Bharat Insur. Co, Chennai. picxy.com

With an impressive façade, attractive stained glass panels, domes and 100 ft tall minarets, way past, it was a famous commercial complex in the city. In the later years for unknown reasons, it became a neglected structure and this landmark building then on Mount Road became one of the many neglected colonial structures in Chennai and the main reason is LIC's insensitive response to preserve this colonial structure. As time goes by with no proper steps taken to restore it back to old glory, the structure has become more damaged than before particularly during the Monsoon seasons. Continuous wet condition during rains weakens the ceiling and wall and causing seepage.

Bharat Insur. Co, Chennaiindianexpress.com

Quite deplorable is the lethargic attitude of the LIC and as of today no action is taken to preserve the building. If the old structure that still stands uncared for, is not repaired soon in a short time the popular heritage structure will fall apart one by one.

https://www.navrangindia.in/2021/12/bharat-insurance-co-building-chennai-is.html

http://www.navrangindia.in/2019/10/the-kardyl-building-bharat-insurance.html