Chennai's landmark arch to be removed

Chennai: For denizens of the city, it is never easy to digest the bringing down of a monument that they are so used to seeing every day. The Anna Arch perhaps is one such edifice that has been a part of every day life for scores who move in and out of Anna Nagar. But in a night or two, the structure will be removed to make way for development. For decades now, the arch has served as a landmark for giving directions. “Get to Anna Arch and then take left,” and “Go straight from Anna Arch, you will reach the place,” are perhaps the way most people guide others to their destinations in that part of the city.

Built in 1985, the arch was a commemoration of the 75th anniversary of C N Annadurai, scion of the Dravidian movement and former chief minister of Tamil Nadu, who perhaps changed the political fabric of the State once and for all through his fiery speeches. The arch was also seen as an important gesture by the then chief minister M G Ramachandran, who had time and again invoked the messages of Anna while taking important decisions as the head of the government.

According to officials at the Highways Department, the structure was too heavy for a relocation. Hence, it was decided that both the arches be demolished. “An exact replica of the structure would be built at a spot chosen by the Corporation,” the official said.

The arches are likely to be cut into several pieces and moved. The statue of Annadurai in front of the arches would be installed at the place where the replica would come up. The demolition process was slated to begin Monday night, but was postponed due to rain.

While machines have been arranged to carry out the work, officials said the traffic police would be notified as some traffic changes have to be made when the structure is demolished. “The process will take two nights and arrangements are being made. It is likely to begin on Tuesday or Wednesday night,” the official added.

The arch will make way for flyovers and a subway aimed at decongesting traffic at the junction that has seen rapid development over the last decade. Anna Nagar, named after Annadurai and which began with a few housing colonies, has now become an upmarket hot spot of the city.