Remaining 21 to be completed next month; Report to be submitted to DC for funds

In a decisive move to safeguard Mysuru’s cultural legacy, the District Administration, in collaboration with the Department of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage, is spearheading efforts to restore and preserve the city’s heritage buildings and monuments.

Following a series of relentless rains that have exacerbated the deterioration of these heritage structures, an in-depth inspection has been held for the last year to assess their actual conditions. This initiative will culminate in a comprehensive report detailing necessary recommendations for restoration.

Over the past year, the District Heritage Buildings Inspection Sub-Committee led by Manjula, Deputy Director of the Department of Archaeology, Museums, and Heritage, has diligently surveyed Mysuru’s iconic heritage buildings.

The team has completed the detailed inspection of 110 heritage buildings out of the 131 total heritage buildings within the limits of Mysuru City Corporation (MCC).

The Committee boasts a team of experts, including Prof. N.S. Rangaraju, a retired professor specialising in ancient history, Prof. Shakeeb ur Rahman, former Principal of SJCE and structural expert and retired engineers Sharath Chandra and Tarakesh.

Joint Directors of the MCC Town Planning Department and Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) are also integral to this crucial endeavour.

Under the directives of the Deputy Commissioner, Sub-Committee members conducted thorough assessments of various heritage sites. They meticulously examined the structural integrity of walls, roofs and compound walls, identified potential risks to foundations and investigated drainage blockages that could exacerbate rainwater damage.

The team also scrutinised the conditions of windows, doors and construction materials, evaluating whether current custodians are maintaining these historic assets adequately. Key considerations include determining if the deteriorating buildings can be salvaged or if they require demolition and reconstruction.

Six months ago, the Expert Committee pin-pointed 11 buildings in critical disrepair, presenting an interim report to the former Deputy Commissioner (DC) Dr. K.V. Rajendra, via the Department of Heritage. The urgency for repairs highlighted in this report emphasises the pressing need for immediate action.

To date, the Committee has successfully surveyed 110 heritage buildings and is on track to complete inspections of the remaining 21 within the next month. Following this, a comprehensive report recommending repairs and revitalisation plans for all 131 structures will be submitted to the Deputy Commissioner. The District Heritage Committee will meet to discuss the expert report and formulate a strategic plan for revitalising these treasured buildings.

The DC is set to present proposals for a detailed plan, a Detailed Project Report (DPR) and the necessary funding to the Government for approval, ensuring Mysuru’s rich heritage is preserved for generations to come.

Restoration of 11 buildings to cost Rs. 96.80 crore

District Heritage Buildings Inspection Sub-Committee has submitted an interim report detailing the restoration costs for 11 critically deteriorated heritage buildings, amounting to a staggering Rs. 96,80,59,838.40.

Specific allocations from this total include

Rs.       9,28,50,660     for Vani Vilas Market

Rs.       13,50,80,494   for Old DC Office (Attara Kacheri)

Rs.       3,90,81,770     for the Fire Brigade Office at Saraswathipuram

Rs.       10,65,23,025   for Maharani’s Science College

Rs.       18,45,03,207   for Maharaja’s College

Rs.       17,70,19,647   for Yuvaraja’s College

Rs.       5,80,50,867     for Maharaja’s College Union Building

Rs.       3,62,55,618     for Dr. Gangubai Hangal Music and Performing Arts

                                      University (formerly Lakshmipuram Girls’ School)

Rs.       4,90,14,220     for the Government Children’s Girls Home

Rs.       6,13,09,701     for Maharaja Government Sanskrit Patashala

Rs.       2,83,70,622     for the Government Certified School for Girls

While the estimated cost for these 11 buildings stands at Rs. 96.80 crore, reviving the remaining 119 heritage structures is anticipated to require hundreds of crores more.

Meanwhile, Devaraja Market and Lansdowne buildings, situated in the heart of Mysuru, remain in a state of disrepair, with visible signs of partial collapse.

A crucial decision regarding whether to repair and preserve these structures or completely reconstruct them in a traditional style is still pending, prompting growing public frustration over the Government’s prolonged silence on this pressing issue.