On the occasion of WORLD HERITAGE WEEK CELEBRATIONS (19th-25th November, 2016) an Heritage Site Cleanup was organised around surrounding areas of George Gate in Fort St. George coming under the Archaeological Survey of India, Chennai Circle on Sunday, 20th November between 7.00am -9.00am
The Fort came into existence with the arrival of Francis Day and Andrew Cogan on 20th February 1640, the fort was named after St.George, the patron saint of England. It took thirteen years to complete the first form of the fort and the oldest surviving British building is the St.Mary's Church added in 1680. The hectic construction activity between 1756-1783 saw the fort to its present shape. Spread over 42 acres significant buildings include The Secretariat, Exchange Building (Fort Museum), St. Mary's Church (Oldest Church East of Suez), Clive House, Grand Arsenal and Kings Barracks.
According to some heritage conservationist one of the reasons for the weakening of heritage structures in our region is growth of vegitation and trees on them due to various factors including seed dispersal etc, the bigger the heritage structure the lengthier the year round activities to clear the vegetation thus an activity of this sort (Heritage Site Cleanup) become much required to save the heritage structure on the long run, more the public participation and lengthier these activities brings awareness towards the cause and to keep our Heritage Monuments in safe condition for the future generations.
Focusing on this aspect our Cleanup included clearing of partially covered wild vegetation, collection of cleared wild vegetation around the demarcated cleanup area in Fort St.George, disposal of the waste in the designated dumping area.
Total Participants 190+ members from given groups and institutions joined us.
KRM Public School, Perambur (including NCC Cadets)
Ethiraj College (History & TTM Dept)
Anna Nagar Social History Group
Avvai Middle School, Tambaram
On this Third Edition of Cleanup a short distance ride was organised by Cycling Yogis from Probikers OMR to Fort St.George.
All the participants gathering around George Gate in the environs of Fort St.George by 7.15 am the Cleanup was formally inaugurated by Mr. Krishnan, Deputy Superintendent, Fort Museum and under able guidance from Mr.Saravanan CA, Chennai Circle ASI, Govt of India
The Cleanup activity concluded with a SWACHH BHARAT PLEDGE and a group picture by 9.00 am after which refreshments were served. Safety being sacrosanct we had a team from ALERT First Aid at our disposal till the completion of the Cleanup.
 |
| Participants of the Heritage Site Cleanup @ Fort St.George |
 |
| Deccan Chronicle dated 22-11-2016 |
