Mysuru: Officials from the South Western Railway’s (SWR) Gati Shakti Unit, which oversees infrastructure works, along with contractors, inspected the 125-year-old Government High School at Vontikoppal, opposite Lakshmivenkataramanaswamy Temple, yesterday amid growing concerns over the institution’s future.
The visit follows a series of reports in Star of Mysore and its sister concern Mysuru Mithra highlighting fears that SWR’s ongoing construction of a multi-storey housing complex, an indoor stadium and an auditorium could threaten the school’s existence.
During the inspection, Gati Shakti officials held discussions with teachers and members of the School Development and Monitoring Committee (SDMC). They assured them that no final decision would be taken until consultations were held with senior Railway authorities and the Tahsildar.
Teachers and SDMC members told SOM that ‘Dishank’ app identifies the land on which the school stands as government property.
Full of dust
They said construction work would not be allowed to proceed until land records are verified and directions are issued by the District Administration. They also noted that ongoing works have already damaged parts of the school premises, leaving students to cope with dust and other inconveniences.
The school has also raised safety concerns after Railway workers felled large banyan trees along the right side of the campus, leaving behind heaps of branches and logs. Shrubs have since grown around the timber, creating a habitat for snakes.
Head Master Mahesh expressed concern over the safety of students, warning that the presence of snakes near areas where children play poses a serious risk of snakebites.
Serious threat to school and students
Teachers and members of the SDMC warned that the ongoing construction activity poses a serious threat to both the education and health of students.
They alleged that despite repeated appeals to protect the institution, the school compound wall has been demolished and heavy machinery has excavated five-foot-deep pits for pillar foundations. “If this continues unchecked, the very existence of our school will be at stake,” the teachers said.
They asserted that no construction would be allowed until all building activity within the school premises is stopped. They also warned that if the work continues despite their objections, they, along with the students, will launch a protest.
The reports of construction activity on the school campus have come to my notice. A high-level review is underway to verify the land records and the Regional Commissioner has also taken note of the matter. All historical land documents and related records will be thoroughly examined before a final decision is taken.
— G. Lakshmikanth Reddy, Dy. Commissioner, Mysuru
This post was published on July 11, 2026 7:30 pm