TN, Feb 5 (TIWN): Restoration of heritage buildings by the Tamil Nadu Public Works Department has hit a roadblock following the lack of skilled labourers and material.

The 250-year-old Humayun Mahal at Chepauk is under restoration but only with 20 workers which has affected the flow of the work. Sources in PWD told IANS that the department does not have skilled manpower for such projects in the state.

The department is also in the process of renovating the old press building on Mint Street which used to mint gold about 200 years ago. This, according to the PWD sources, has also been affected as most of the North Indian workers who are experts in this type of work are not back to the state following the pandemic.

Another major issue the department is facing is the non-availability of raw material as most of the British-era buildings in the state cannot be restored for lack of historic construction material.