Sir,

This refers to the news item titled ‘Collapsing of multiple heritage structures causes concern’ (Star of Mysore dated Oct.22) showing pictures of six heritage structures. The issue has finally galvanised the Government to take note of the sad state of affairs.

The result is that it has jolted the Government to wake up to the all-round deterioration of hundreds of heritage structures. This has also activated the District Heritage Committee and the Department of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage.

As per the report in SOM dated Oct. 24, a survey has begun to grade 131 heritage structures within MCC limits while it is stated that there are more than 500 heritage structures including those owned by the Government and private parties across the district. This is the reason as to why Mysuru is called the Heritage City. It is not as if successive Governments have not been aware of the situation but the sad part is that the Government has no pride in safeguarding the city’s royal heritage.

For example, two classic cases of damage suffered by Lansdowne Building in 2012 and Devaraja Market in 2016 and citizens are too well aware of its chequered history marked by procrastination, the drama of appointing committees, escaping responsibilities, lack of funds, etc. The other important royal monument is the Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion that is languishing in neglect. It is a magnificent structure with more than 150 pillars of Greek architecture going to seed. It looks like an abandoned building with the windows left wide open.

The pictures above are a testimony of its neglect and the imminent danger of its collapse. The usual excuse is lack of funds.

True, the order of funds required is substantial but there is no attempt to explore the possibility of raising funds. For example, the Central Government may be approached as a special case or Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds can be tapped or even the Indian diaspora can be approached.

Heritage of lethargy, lack of will and lack of pride are the banes and not the funds. If there is real feeling for heritage, there are avenues. Can we hope for some action by the powers that be?

– H.R. Bapu Satyanarayana, Saraswathipuram, 25.10.2022

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