Mysuru: As  part of its continuous efforts to keep Mysuru city clean and tidy ahead of Dasara festivities, Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) launched a cleaning operation yesterday at Lansdowne building and surrounding areas.

The MCC staff cleaned up the entire garbage piled up around the place by citizens and street vendors near the dilapidated Lansdowne building which is located in the heart of the city.

Strewn water bottles, waste paper pieces and garbage dumped by street vendors  and other debris were cleared by MCC staff using JCB and tippers. There was a large heap of garbage with small plants and shrubs which were grown in the road opposite the building.

The Lansdowne building, which was once a hub of small commercial activities, is just a dilapidated heritage structure now after all commercial activities were banned about 15 years ago following the partial collapse of the building in Aug. 2012 causing 4 deaths and injuries to citizens.

In view of the dilapidated condition of the building, chain-link fencing was installed to prevent the entry of the public. There was a huge accumulated mass of debris which was completely cleared by the MCC staff in yesterday’s drive.

Cleaning to be done every 15 days

Speaking to Star of Mysore, MCC Commissioner M.K. Savitha said that during an inspection round she observed a huge mass of debris near Lansdowne building and instructed officials to clear the mess. Accordingly, the debris was cleared at Lansdowne building premises.

Also, officials have been instructed to clean the area every 15-20 days in future throughout the year. Though MCC had plans to demolish the dilapidated structure and build a replica of the same, the Supreme Court has directed it to preserve the heritage building after consulting experts.