Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru 

Bengaluru, Oct 26: The famous St Mark’s Cathedral in Bengaluru has developed cracks on its walls and pillars. 

The structure of the 211-year-old cathedral is built taking inspiration from England’s 17th century St Paul’s Cathedral. 

However, the vertical and horizontal cracks spanning several meters, puffing of masonry in many places and pest infestation has marred the beauty of this building, putting the faithful and heritage lovers to worry. 

According to a Deccan Herald report, The Indian National Trust for Art and Heritage (INTACH) has done a preliminary investigation of the structure and has given an interim report after visual assessment of the damage. 

Rev Vincent Vinod Kumar, the presbyter in-charge, told the newspaper that the cathedral management is working overtime with the experts to stabilise the structure. 

 “The INTACH experts experienced in heritage structures sought permission for further excavation of the damaged places to determine the actual reason for the problem. We’ll think about the remedial issues once they submit the final report,” Rev Vinod Kumar said. 

The INTACH preliminary report states that the horizontal cracks were found in various parts between the plinth and the sill, especially in the Cathedral’s outer external walls. The report highlighted vertical cracks, puffing of masonry and insect attacks in the building’s open junctions. 

Ingress of water from foundation through capillary action, causing moisture entry into masonry, material incompatibility and poor workmanship while building a joint between cement plaster and old lime  are attributed as the reasons for the damage. 

The Cathedral management is planning to hold a fiesta to raise funds for the repair. 

The Cathedral was founded in 1808. It can seat up to 700 people. In February 1924, a major fire had broken out and almost destroyed the Cathedral.