The landmark US consulate building at Cathedral Road | P Jawahar
CHENNAI: The US consulate in Chennai is on a renovation mode after 49 years of its inception. It was built in 1969 and is now looking at getting Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority’s (CMDA) clearance.
US consulate spokesperson Alexis Wolff told Express that the US consulate in Chennai is dedicated to providing a safe, modern space for their staff and visitors. “The upcoming renovation project will help modernise our facilities for US citizens and the growing number of Indians seeking to travel to the United States,” he said. Refusing to provide further details, the spokesperson said, “As a matter of policy we do not discuss the details of the renovation.”
A top CMDA official confirmed that talks are going on with US consulate over giving necessary approvals. The project consists of two components — a partial infilling of existing courtyard within the walls of existing building and construction of an electrical demarcation room that abuts the compound to provide access to city utility staff.
The hitch is whether open space rule is applicable for renovating the building or not. Sources said that US consulate is maintaining that the open space rule is not applicable.
Sources said that since the consulate, which was built in 1969, predated the formation of CMDA, the renovation which takes place entirely inside the existing building would require no permission.
Interestingly, the other issue is the submission of permit application, wherein PAN card and Aadhaar are mandatory. It is learnt that US consulate will be submitting a hard copy and this will be changed on the website to allow for submission. “We will be giving our approval for renovation,” said a CMDA official.
Interestingly, Russian consulate is also on a renovation mode and permission has been sought to relax land use and development regulations.
