The demolition of the 111-year-old Brahmo Samaj building in the heart of the town in early November has sparked a row, with historians and civil society representatives raising concerns that the 1,000 square-yard site would be put to commercial purpose.
The building was constructed in 1907 with liberal donations made by eminent persons in response to the call given by social reformer Raghupathi Venkata Ratnam Naidu. It was inaugurated by social reformer Kandukuru Veeresalingam in 1908. In 1882, the Machilipatnam Brahmo Samaj had taken shape, paving the way for spiritual, social and political integrity in society.
The building had been practically abandoned by the Brahmo Samaj authorities, and in November, Samaj honorary president Kuralla Ramachandra Rao got it demolished citing poor structural stability.
Soil dug up to a depth of two metres and the wood were reportedly given to private persons.
Speaking to The Hindu, Mr. Ramachandra Rao held that the Machilipatnam Municipality had directed the Samaj to demolish the building eight years ago.
‘Fresh guidelines a must’
But, Town Planner P.S.B. Prasad told The Hindu that directives given some years ago would automatically lapse and have to be issued afresh.
“A few firms have approached us, some lobbying to develop the space into an academic centre and other purposes, but we have rejected such proposals. We are yet to take a decision on the utilisation of the land,” said Mr. Ramachandra Rao.
Hinting at differences among top functionaries of the Samaj, convener of Machilipatnam INTACH Chapter, Srinivasa Rao said his repeated pleas to spare the building fell on deaf ears.