The Chepauk palace located on the shores of the Marina in Chennai is the first building of the Indo-Sarecenic style. The Palace complex consists of three buildings, Khalsa Mahal, Humayun Mahal, and Chisholm’s tower. The palace was constructed during the colonial rule by the British for the Nawab of Arcot.  Post-independence, the entire palace complex was taken over by the government and converted into government offices. The palace has been very poorly maintained since then.

The palace complex that was earlier surrounded by vast open space was replaced by other contemporary government buildings such as the TWAD, Ezhilagam, and Agriculture department building thus completely cutting off the palace view from the main road. Following which the Chepauk palace joined the list of long forgotten heritage buildings until recently when a fire broke out at the Khalsa Mahal on the 17 of January 2012.

Following the fire a proposal to bring down the existing building and replace it with a new structure was initiated. This was averted by the timely interference of the local people. The Khalsa Mahal since then was abandoned and completely neglected to an extent where even the debris of the fire accident is yet to be cleared.  The Humayun Mahal was intact till 20 September 2013, where the roof of the Mahal collapsed into a heap of debris.  The Humayun Mahal was abandoned soon after.

The PWD stated a year ago that a conservationist has been appointed for the palace to be restored, but the restoration process is yet to begin. As time flows the palace is falling apart little by little. The palace which once defined the skyline of Chennai now lies in ruins.

We henceforth kindly request the concerned officers to look into the matter at the earliest and take appropriate actions to protect and restore the first building of the all famous Indo-Sarecenic style.