CHENNAI: Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa on Thursday ordered the constitution of a technical committee to assess the stability of the Chepauk Palace that was gutted by fire a few days ago. The technical committee would assess whether the building could be restored to its past glory or suggest alternatives. Professor Santhakumar of Anna University, Engineer-in-Chief of the Public Works Department (PWD), Chief Planner of the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA), who is also a convenor of the Heritage Committee of CMDA, are members of the committee.Meanwhile, a group of PWD officials visited the gutted Chepauk Palace and assessed the extent of damage caused by the fire.Employees who were working there before the fire accident were not allowed to enter the area to avoid any untoward incident. Eminent personalities have already appealed to the CM to restore the 244-year-old heritage monument. Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister called on the two fire officers - Priya Ravichandran, Divisional Fire Officer, and Murugan, Station Fire Officer (Ashok Nagar) - who are under treatment for the serious burns they suffered while trying to put out the fire. After enquiring about their health, Jayalalithaa also announced that the State government would bear the entire medical expenses of the two and said that she was praying for their speedy recovery. The CM also spoke to the doctors about the treatment being given to them. Dr Prathap C Reddy, Chairman, Apollo Hospitals Group, was present. Priya was apparently touched by the Chief Minister’s gesture. Sources said that Priya had not been declared out of danger owing to the fractures and extensive burns she had suffered.“She is recovering well from the 40 per cent burns she had sustained and the CM’s visit roused her spirits,” said sources.
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