Sir,

This is in reference to the news item ‘KRS Crest Gates for Scrap Sale’ in Star of Mysore dated Oct. 7. The Cauvery Neeravari Nigam Limited (CNNL) or the Government should not unilaterally decide to sell the historic Crest Gates for scrap.

Selling the historic KRS Crest Gates may seem easy, but these gates were designed by our legendary engineer, Sir M. Visvesvaraya, at a time when technology, including modern computer concepts, was not as advanced as it is today.

There are heritage experts and committees available to make informed decisions. When permission is required from heritage authorities to demolish, repair or reconstruct any heritage buildings, it is prudent for CNNL or the Government to consult with these experts before taking action. We should appreciate the quality and labour skills involved in creating and installing these Crest Gates during the construction of the KRS Dam.

The KRS Crest Gates can be preserved for posterity in tourist sites in Mysuru and Mandya districts, where there is sufficient space. This would provide an added attraction for tourists visiting these areas.

I hope the State Government and CNNL authorities take the necessary steps to preserve the historic assets instead of selling them as scrap.

– Yadav Raghavan, Yadavagiri, 8.10.2024

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