Chennai: In the wake of state planning to convert J. Jayalalithaa’s residence into a memorial, revenue department officials on Saturday began a survey at the iconic Poes Garden bungalow for more than two hours.
A team of revenue officials led by Mylapore tahsildar Sylendar visited Veda Nilayam inspected the bungalow and also took measurements of the property. They also discussed the property documents, registration papers and the parking space available at the palatial house.
“It is mandatory as per rules before the government takes over a property. We have commenced the survey and based on the guideline value and the location of the prime property an estimate will be prepared to assist the compensation process”, sources said.
“Works are now gaining momentum to convert the sprawling 24,000 square feet property into a public memorial building. Details of the properties owned by the former CM are also studied and materials that suit to be an exhibit will be prepared”, an informed official said. The Poes Garden is now under thick security cover and about 200 police personnel are involved in security arrangements. Barricades have also come up into the road that leads to Poes Gardens.
Jayalalithaa till her Apollo hospitalisation in last September occupied the house along with V. K. Sasikala. The house is now restricted to outsiders as police only allow the workers and the gardeners to maintain the house.
The 24,000 square feet property was bought by Jayalalithaa and her mother Veda in 1967 and had hosted top leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Superstar Rajinikanth also stays in Poes Garden.
