The collapse of Pondicherry Iconic old Pier

About Pondicherry

The Union Territory of Pondicherry has a coastline of 45 km and a continental shelf of 675 sq./kms. Puducherry was historically known as Putucceri, the union territory originated from the Tamil words Putu means “new” and Ceri means “village”. The French had changed this to Pondichéry and Pondicherry in English. After 2006 Pondicherry got its original name ‘Puducherry’ back.

The city is surrounded by Tamil Nadu state the southernmost part of India, on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal. Puducherry is located 105 miles (107 km) from Chennai (The capital of Tamil Nadu). Pondicherry was transferred to India on 1st November 1954. A treaty of Cessation was signed on May 28, 1956. Under the 14th Amendment of the Indian Constitution, this Union Territory is administered by the President of India in 1962.

Puducherry is one of the best places for tourism in southern India. If you are looking to spend some quiet time then visit this place with family or friends. With exquisite places, gladdening churches, and famous monuments representing French and Dutch architecture, the city soothes your eyes. Its attractions to explore make Puducherry an occasion for you to find solitariness within.

During the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, Puducherry was a thriving trade centre of its own. Of the several sightseer spots located here, the Port of Puducherry stands out as the most sought-after destination and one of the must-have visit places in Pondicherry is said to be the old harbour.

History of The Icon Old Harbour Bridge

It is one of the Icon Old Harbour Bridge. Puducherry is a port city. This Harborage is one of the oldest active ports. It has a small shallow-water port. This port is used for importing and exporting general cargo. It was established by the Governor-General of the French East India Company during the french revolution. Since Puducherry is connected with western companies like the Dutch and the French, it is always been one of the most important trade cities in history.

This port played a major role in carrying out all trades for almost two centuries.

It was first settled by the French and then was captured by the Dutch in 1693. That is why you can still see their art styles on the various churches and structured present in this city. Apart from being a trip destination, The significance of Puducherry port is fleetly expanding as an industrial and technological centre and is a perfect site for the development of a deep-water port. It was said that the harborage soon will handle containers, automobiles, general freight, edible oil, and passengers.

The collapse of The Iconic old Pier (Harbor Bridge)

The old port has been used for various purposes before, sadly Pondicherry’s one of Icon Old Harbour Bridge broke early morning on March 5th 2022. The old port has appeared in most of the Tamil cinemas as well as several other state movies. This can be appropriately termed a pier. This iconic pier is over 60 years old. It was partially collapsed late on Saturday night (March 5th 2022). Waves were higher than usual due to a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal.

Other Must-visit Places in Pondicherry

Auroville

Auroville is also known as “The Mother”. Auroville is a must-visit place in Pondicherry. People of different nationalities, cultures and beliefs live together in harmony which is considered to be the attraction of Pondicherry. Auroville is an experimental township or a universal town. Auroville was founded by Mirra Alfassa, in the year 1968 and it was designed by a famous architect Roger Anger.

Matrimandir is one of the major highlights of Auroville which is a highly significant place for internal Yoga practitioners. It has a lotus-shaped dome-like structure that is almost 30 meters high and covered by golden discs that reflect sunlight. In order to visit this place in Pondicherry, visitors are required to prebook the session for meditation inside Auroville at the Matrimandir. There would guide who would provide a tour to the first-time visitors of the Matrimandir, along with a background on its history and importance.

Chunnambar Boat House

A popular tourist attraction, Chunnambar Boat House is located about 7 kilometres from Pondicherry. Surrounded by beautiful backwaters and stunning white sand beaches, Chunnambar Boat House is ideal for boating and also a great picnic spot where you can relax in the tranquil environment. You can also go down to the beach and set up a tent by the sea.

Sri Aurobindo Ashram

Pondicherry is synonymous with the Aurobindo Ashram. Founded by Sri Aurobindo and Mirra Alfassa (The Mother) in 1926, it is one of the major highlights of Pondicherry and is visited by thousands of people from all over the world. The ashram is also the place of Samadhi of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother.

you can visit the library and the crafts centres that make everything from perfumes to Ayurvedic medicines. One can also buy handmade papier mâché dolls from the ashram’s factory or gorge on mouthwatering pizzas at Pizza D’Auro, a popular eatery close to the Ashram. There is also a cafeteria in the ashram that serves snacks, meals and desserts.

Pondicherry Museum

A delight for art and history enthusiasts, the Pondicherry Museum has on display a fantastic collection of sculptures, handicrafts, archaeological findings from the Arikamedu Roman settlement and items from the French colonial time such as furniture and coins, among other things.

Manakula Vinayagar Temple

Manakula Vinayagar Temple is a Hindu temple in the Union Territory of Pondicherry, India. Dedicated to the god Ganesa, it is a popular pilgrimage site and tourist destination in Pondicherry. The temple is of considerable antiquity and predates French occupation of the territory. During the tenure of Dupleix, there were attempts to destroy the temple, but it was spared owing to strong protests from the Hindu population and the threat of British and Maratha invasion of the territory.

Church of Sacred Heart of Jesus

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is one of the highly revered religious places in Pondicherry and is located on the south boulevard of the town. This beautiful church is an excellent example of Gothic architecture and is adorned with colourful stained glass panels illustrating the life events of Jesus Christ. A significant place of worship for Christian devotees in the country, the church is a must-visit when visiting Pondicherry.

And there are a lot more beautiful spots to visit in Pondicherry. The best time to visit Pondicherry is between October and March. Summers here are hot due to its tropical wet and dry climate, while January is the coldest.

Reference:

https://fisheries.py.gov.in/fishing-harbour-union-territory-pondicherry