Efforts on to save Chennai heritage building
	CHENNAI:A campaign is on in Chennai to save the Gokhale Hall, a heritage building. Many historical figures like Pandit Nehru, Zakir Hussain, Rajaji and Kamaraj have spoken within the precincts of the landmark building. The Gokhale Hall was handed over by Dr Annie Besant, founder of the Home Rule Movement, to the Young Mens Indian Association (YMIA) in 1914. Old is gold? The structure is at least 93 years old, and has been declared unsafe for human habitation. Its owners had decided to knock the building down, but heritage activists are desperate to preserve it for its history. Thus, even while the government decides on the demolition application, many are trying to save it from the bulldozers. The YMIA says that if they can't do what they want with the building, they should be compensated. "Whatever is the value of this property will have to be safeguarded for the association," said G Subramanian, Secretary, YMIA. The old Indo-Sarcenic buildings are fast vanishing from Chennai's landscapes, and the biggest threat to historic buildings is the lack of a protective Heritage Act. The big debate now is whether the owners can demolish Gokhale Hall, make space for parking and put their property to greater use; or strengthen the structure and keep its commercial use down to a minimum to save its historical value.