Tue Aug 05 15:04:54 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the provided text and a rewritten version formatted as a news article:

**Summary:**

The 128-year-old Collectorate building in Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu, is undergoing restoration. Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister M.R.K. Panneerselvam laid the foundation stone for the ₹16.20 crore project, which aims to repair damage from aging to the red brick structure, particularly the roofing and walls. The building, which served as the Collector’s office for South Arcot district and later Cuddalore district, now houses several district offices. The restoration will include re-plastering, replacing doors and windows, replacing the roof, and removing vegetation. The Minister also initiated improvement works for the Manjakuppam grounds at a cost of ₹14.15 crore, including the construction of shops, a convention center, and a walking track.

**News Article:**

**Historic Cuddalore Collectorate to Undergo Major Restoration**

*CUDDALORE, August 5, 2025* – A significant restoration project has been launched to preserve the historic Collectorate building in Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu. Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister M.R.K. Panneerselvam officially laid the foundation stone for the ₹16.20 crore undertaking on Monday.

The 128-year-old red brick structure, spanning 44,960 square feet, has suffered from the effects of time, particularly affecting its Madras tile roofing and walls. A recent assessment confirmed the building’s overall stability, but highlighted the urgent need for repairs.

Originally constructed between 1895 and 1897, the Collectorate served as the main administrative office for the South Arcot district and, later, Cuddalore district until 2020. Today, the building houses the District Treasury Office, the District Forest Office, the Cuddalore Museum, and the District Record Centre.

The extensive restoration will include re-plastering the ceiling, walls, pillars, and arches using traditional lime mortar. Damaged wooden doors will be replaced with new teak wood paneled doors, and louvered shutters will be installed for the windows. The iconic Madras terrace roof will also undergo complete replacement on all floors. Crews will also remove vegetation growth and provide saline treatment to the building’s stone pillars and brick walls.

“This restoration project is vital to preserving a significant piece of our history,” said Minister Panneerselvam. “The Collectorate building has served the community for generations, and these repairs will ensure it continues to do so for many years to come.”

In addition to the Collectorate restoration, Minister Panneerselvam also initiated improvement works at the Manjakuppam grounds, with a projected cost of ₹14.15 crore. These improvements include the construction of 77 shops, a modern convention center, and a new walking track for residents.

Collector Sibi Adhithya Senthil Kumar and officials from various government departments were present at the foundation stone laying ceremony, signifying the importance of these projects to the local community.

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