New Libaray waiting for opening

A newly-built district central library is expected to be inaugurated as the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has finally approved the building, which is in close proximity to the Main Guard Gate, an entrance to the Trichy Rockfort. The monument is maintained by ASI.
Construction of the new building commenced by 2010-end at an estimated cost of Rs 3.74 crore in West Boulevard Road. Since then, the library, that has around 1,75,000 books and a 30,000-strong readership, has been functioning in a rented building in Sethu Ram Pillai Colony in Trichy. A library officer said they were spending Rs 45,000 on rent for the building. The construction of the new building became ready for inauguration a few months back, but it surprised everyone that the building was not inaugurated so far. The reason for the delay was that the application from the library administration to ASI was pending clearance.

As per ASI norms, any building within 300 metres' from archaeological sites should follow specifications laid down by ASI. In this case, the new library building is situated 290 metres from the Main Guard Gate, the entrance to Trichy Rockfort.
A library officer on condition of anonymity told TOI, "We wanted to construct a three-storey building for the new library at the site. Since we had to get ASI clearance, we sent our application to the headquarters at New Delhi. After a thorough examination, ASI approved only a two-storey building. It took a long time to give the clearance and hence the inauguration was delayed."
On the contrary, there are lots of commercial multi-storey buildings functioning in close proximity to Rockfort.
The officer further added that they would try again for approval for one more floor after inaugurating the building. They planned to have a conference hall on the second floor. Both ground and first floors have come up on 17,000 sq ft each. The two floors will provide a spacious atmosphere to readers. A browsing centre, exclusive sections for competitive examinations and children's books will be dedicated to readers. A 100 KVA diesel generator has been installed in the library to provide uninterrupted power supply.
The district central library had been functioning in 1950 in Kamarajar Mandram and then in 1988, it was shifted to Anna Diamond Jubilee building near Kamarajar Mandram in West Boulevard Road. However, both buildings were demolished recently, forcing construction of the new library building.
The early inauguration of the new building would save the exchequer Rs 45,000 rental per month, said a library officer.