Mysuru: A Special Heritage Committee meeting was held at Deputy Commissioner’s Office here this morning where it was made clear that seeking permission from the Committee was mandatory before a government or a private agency takes up renovation of any heritage structure in city.

DC D. Randeep said that in order to repair or renovate any heritage building, it was compulsory to submit a proposal to the Heritage Committee and await its green signal. “Private agencies have been submitting proposals but Government agencies like Nirmithi Kendra do not submit any proposal as they have taken it for granted. This should stop. It is mandatory for even the government agency to put forward the proposal and then carry out the work after approval,” the DC said.

Irrespective of whether it is a Governmental agency or Private agency, the rules stand same for all, he said. In a stern tone, Randeep said, “If Government agencies do not follow rules, how can we expect others to follow it?” He added that if there was any violation, the committee has no other option than to demolish the violated portion.

He said that the PWD, which has taken up development works in Nanjangud like road widening, building parking spaces and helipads, should also take permission by submitting a proposal to the committee as Nanjangud also falls under its jurisdiction.

V.N. Girish, Member Secretary of the Committee submitted a proposal about limiting the height of buildings on the route where the annual Dasara procession passes – from K.R. Circle to LIC Circle. His proposal stated that the height of building should conform to norms and must not overshadow the heritage structures. The committee will take a call on this proposal.

The committee also approved the proposal of constructing a war memorial opposite the DC Office Park.  MUDA Commissioner P.S. Kantharaj, Superintending Engineer Suresh Prabhu, Asst. Director of Town Planning Department Seema, Commissioner of Heritage Department Dr. Gavisiddaiah, MCC and Nirmithi Kendra officials were also present.