Intach Projects
Appikonda Shiva Temple Restoration Project
AP Tourism proposes to restore and beautify the Sri Shiva Temple near Appikonda. The temple is situated behind the Steel Plant, abutting the Appikonda Beach.
Access to the beachfront is through the temple area. The temple's site is approximately one acre. The temple complex comprises five structures, including the main temple structure. Two out of these structures are fairly complete from but not in good condition. The other structures are very badly damaged and require extensive structural repairs. Restoration will not require not only repair of the structural damages but also extensive research and documentation to develop the temple's form for those structures that are only half standing.
It is recommended the whole restoration project be undertaken per conservation norms and practices and all repairs and restoration work be done using the appropriate type of stone or brick masonry and blends with the existing construction style and pattern.
The following methodology is proposed for the proposed restoration, renovation and beautification of the temple complex.
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Structural Restoration of the temple:
All structural repair works, replacement of broken stone slab and beams, replacement of carved stone blocks etc.
Removal of RCC Structural elements:
Removal of RCC Slab area constructed in front of the main temple structure and all other RCC and components in foreign material.
Restoration of Compound Wall:
Complete restoration of compound wall in previous style, foundation strengthening, restructuring and rehabilitation etc.
Landscaping:
Landscaping of the total are around the temple, provision of water supply to the site for drinking and horticulture purposes, tree plantation, creation of a small paved areas for multipurpose recreational use.
Lighting:
Design and erection of external and internal lighting in the temple complex, including decorative lighting of the main temple structure.
Access to the beach:
Design of an integrated master plan for the temple and the beach area to provide better amenities for visitors to the temple and beach. Provision for food courts, souvenir shops and thatch shelters along the beach, parking facilities for two and four wheelers.
Signage for the temple from NH5:
Provision for sign board for the temple to be located along the approach road, starting from the National Highway up to the Temple and Beach Front.
Revitalisation of Heritage Buildings in Old Town Area :
There are buildings spread all over the city that represent the regions rich architectural heritage. These buildings represent many styles of architecture. The building' owners were influenced by architectural styles of other regions and country visited during their rule. Many of these were constructed by the British and erstwhile royalties to accommodate their various administrative and residential requirements.
An important factor that as come to light is that many erstwhile royalties constructed important heritage buildings for the benefit and service of the poor and other needy people. This philanthropic aspect of development by rulers always played an important role in the harmonious social and economic progress of the society they ruled. Many of these policies are relevant today as strategies for people centric development schemes, if these are well integrated and implemented with missionary vision.
The following two examples, Turners Choultry and the Kurupam Market, are testimony to the above concept of philanthropic development. Both the projects were donated by their respective builders for the benefit of the people of the region surrounding this beautiful city.
The city of Visakhapatnam started becoming an important trade and administrative centre in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Development of the port by the British and subsequent industrial development saw a migration of people from near and far in search of a livelihood. This they quickly found due to rapid development of the local economy. Growth of the city and its population required many public facilities such as educational and health. Most such facilities were set up by the erstwhile Royals. The Raja of Kurupam constructed the Kurupam Market, officially christened as 'The King Edwards VII Market', and recognised the accession of Edward VII, King of England.
Similarly, Turner's Choultry a monument to hospitality, earlier known as Turner's Chattram, was named after the former collector of Visakhapatnam Mr. Henry Gribble Turner (1881-83 and 1884-89). The site was gifted by Maharaja Gode Narayan Gajapathi Row. The building was constructed by donations from the Raja of Vizianagaram, Sri. Ananda Gajapathi Raju, and Rs 33,000 collected in public subscription.
The principle reason for building Kurupam Market was that revenue generated from shops leased to merchants could be used to providing health and medical facilities to the poor and needy people of the City. Similarly the Turner's Choultry was constructed to give shelter to relatives of patients being treated at the King George Hospital. Over the years, these properties changed hands and present day systems have not responded well to the original objectives for these structures. There are no longer philanthropists taking up such noble causes; causes that set parameters by which the performance of rulers was judged. There is today a strong need to revitalise such concepts. It is not too late to take up project for the benefit of the people. They will only serve as a platform for public-private partnership but also help to restore and preserve the beautiful concept of "Service to Humanity".
Proposals to restore and re-vitalise these heritage properties with an equal involvement of all concerned Governmental Departments and people in general is an ideal way of implementing a people centric development policy.
Visakhapatnam Urban Development Authority [VUDA] proposes to facilitate and take responsibility, with INTACH's help, for making this novel concept a reality. In partnership with the Endowments Department (which owns both the properties) and Simhachalam Devasthanam, VUDA proposed to invite ideas and contributions from the people of Visakhapatnam. INTACH will provide technical support for restoration of these buildings and will develop the basic concept for expansion and re-vitalization.
These projects will not just be restoration projects. Many people's livelihoods depended on commercial activities carried out in and around these buildings. It will be a unique project and include economic rehabilitation and social development. It is expected to arouse great public interest through its participative approach.
A proper mechanism of regulation and rehabilitation will have to be adopted for the larger interest of the present beneficiaries. They will be encouraged to self-finance their efforts and regularly participate in contributions to the original objectives of these properties, i.e. to extend a helping hands hand and provide medical and health facilities to the poor and needy.