VISAKHAPATNAM: Providing a new lease of life to the heritage structures in the city, the Visakhapatnam Port Trust (VPT) and Visakha Container Terminal Private Limited (VCTPL) restored the old lighthouse at Flagstaff on the Beach Road and threw it open to the public here Friday. VPT chairman MT Krishna Babu declared that the iconic building open.
The old lighthouse is an iconic structure that was a source of inspiration for seafarers for about six decades since its commissioning in 1903, and represents the rich marine traditions of the region. The 59-foot masonry tower was a transit line lighthouse that guided the ships into Visakhapatnam Harbour. The light house had a gas-fired white diopter light of the second order with brightness levels that of 45,000 candles. It flashed every 20 seconds and was visible from 12 miles in clear weather. During World War II, two anti-aircraft guns were erected on two cemented pedestals next to the lighthouse, bearing testimony to the pivotal role the lighthouse had played.
The lighthouse has not been under use since 1962 following which it fell into disrepair. A few years ago, VCTPL persuaded the VPT management to hand it over for restoration and revival.
Chairman of VCTPL and JM Baxi Group of Companies Krishna B Kotak, an ardent restorationist, brought onboard Mumbai’s conservation architect Vikas Dilawari to oversee the project which began in 2012.
“Monuments and their architecture reflect the culture of the earlier generations. Any work to preserve our heritage is praiseworthy and we should thank Krishna Kotak for taking such an initiative,” VPT chairman MT Krishna Babu said.
Expressing happiness over being part of the restoration, VCTPL managing director Vir Kotak said that the company was proud to be associated with the restoration of a genuinely historical monument.
Several VIPs from different walks of life in the city, who witnessed the restored lighthouse, appreciated the efforts of VCTPL. “Probably for the first time, a heritage structure was restored in a proper manner,” said INTACH convener PV Prasad.