Visiting George Town after a lengthy absence, I was reminded of the area’s rich history, which starkly contrasts with its current state of disrepair. While many hold up Singapore as a model for urban development, I believe we should instead look to places like Galle in Sri Lanka or George Town in Malaysia, which have mastered the art of maintaining historical integrity. Regrettably, my stroll through George Town revealed a number of once-familiar landmarks replaced by uninspired commercial buildings and high-rise constructions, exacerbating the already overwhelming congestion.
It raises a critical question: who is responsible for approving these developments? A previous statement from a Greater Chennai Corporation commissioner to the Madras High Court noted that approximately 90% of buildings in George Town violate some sort of code, suggesting that oversight is severely lacking. Recent efforts by the Corporation seem to have contributed to the chaos rather than alleviating it. A striking case is the statue of King George V, located at the rear of the Flower Bazaar police station. This statue, financed by the Govinddoss Chaturbhujadoss family in 1913, was erected to commemorate the King’s coronation and the area’s name change from Black Town to George Town.
Despite the statue’s historical significance and its sculptor, Sir Bertram Mackennal, renowned for his royal memorabilia, its current surroundings are anything but respectful. The area has become cluttered with poorly designed shops that obscure the statue, diminishing its presence. These shops were constructed for hawkers displaced from NSC Bose Road, a controversy spanning decades. However, they have devolved into narrow alleys that serve as dumping grounds and open latrines, creating an unpleasant environment for passersby. As a result, King George himself seems to be struggling to get a view of the world, nearly lost amidst the commercial chaos.
If the decision was made to retain this statue, it deserves a space that allows it to be appreciated rather than hidden away. Although the pedestal has historically been used for various unsavory purposes, recent decisions to surround the statue with shuttered shops have exacerbated its obscurity. This mismanagement reflects a broader neglect of heritage as urbanization continues unchecked.
As I reflect on my time in George Town, the juxtaposition of historical significance and modern neglect is stark. The area is a treasure trove of stories and memories that deserve preservation, not to be lost amidst modern development. The sunlight that once shone brightly on the monuments of a bygone era now struggles to reach its subjects, symbolizing the fading echoes of a past we must choose to remember-not hide away.
(Sriram V. is a writer and historian.)
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/searching-for-george-in-chennais-george-town/article70136890.ece
Category : Chennai
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Publish Date: 2025-10-08 06:30:00
