Sir,

Apropos the article titled ‘Is Lalitha Mahal Hotel going Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion way?’ by N.K.A. Ballal, Retd. Sr. Vice-President, ITDC, published in SOM on May 23, it is disheartening to witness the repetitive and deplorable state of affairs concerning the preservation of our city’s royal heritage.

Lalitha Mahal, an awe-inspiring edifice originally constructed as a Royal Guest House, is tragically falling into disrepair, dealing a severe blow to the esteemed heritage of Namma Mysuru.

As highlighted, successive Governments have shown a remarkable tendency to procrastinate, failing to make timely decisions. Consequently, iconic structures such as Lansdowne Building, Devaraja Market and Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion have been allowed to deteriorate over the years, serving as a testament to the distressing lack of pride in safeguarding our invaluable heritage buildings.

The Governments have consistently resorted to the predictable strategy of forming committees ad nauseum, engaging in endless deliberations while accomplishing very little.

They often cite insufficient funds as an excuse, but this does not prevent them from compromising the sacred sanctity of Chamundi Hill by encroaching upon its surroundings and transforming it into a tourist attraction, thereby endangering its pristine environment.

The newly elected Government, having assumed power with a popular mandate, has inherited a burdensome legacy. This presents both an opportunity and a test for it to demonstrate its commitment to redeeming itself and solidifying its popularity.

— H.R. Bapu Satyanarayana, Saraswathipuram, 24.5.2023

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