Mysore/Mysuru: Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, member of the erstwhile Mysore royal family, has underlined that the responsibility for conserving Mysuru’s heritage buildings lies with the Government.

Mysuru, renowned for its rich cultural heritage, stands as a testament to the city’s glorious past. It is essential to preserve this heritage, which includes traditions, culture, art and the remarkable buildings and monuments that define the city, he said.

Addressing reporters at the launch of the Centre of Excellence for Entrepreneurs and Family Business established by Bherunda Foundation at MYRA School of Business in Mysuru recently, he highlighted that many of Mysuru’s traditional buildings and monuments bear the historical imprint of the Maharajas who once ruled here.

Over time and with changes in governance, some of these historic structures are now showing signs of deterioration. He stressed the need for a concerted effort from the Government’s side to properly restore and rejuvenate these architectural treasures.

He pointed out that, “Expert evaluations conducted by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in 2008 and 2015 have indicated that these dilapidated structures can indeed be restored.”

The District Heritage Conservation Committee has played a pivotal role by offering valuable insights and recommendations. Their expertise underscores the urgency of addressing the decay of old buildings rather than opting for wholesale demolition and reconstruction, which is often impractical.

When asked about the observations made by the Heritage Conservation Committee, which highlighted that nearly half of Mysuru’s heritage structures require conservation, Yaduveer stressed the importance of treating these structures as valuable assets and ensuring their proper upkeep.

However, in response to a question about why the conservation of Mysuru’s rich heritage had not been prioritised, Yaduveer remarked that this query should be directed at those in positions of power.

He also mentioned that the Bherunda Foundation, which focused on community engagement and social innovation, has plans to undertake a project aimed at reviving the traditional Mysore style of painting.

Both Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar and his wife Trishika Kumari Wadiyar are Directors of Bherunda Foundation.