Mysore/Mysuru: Former Mayor Sandesh Swamy has urged the authorities concerned to re-open Rangacharlu Memorial Town Hall in the heart of the city for the cause of promoting arts.

Swamy, who has submitted a memorandum to Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) Commissioner in this regard, has recalled the history associated with the Town Hall that was named after Dewan C.V.  Rangacharlu.  The then king of erstwhile Mysore Chamaraja Wadiyar X constructed the Town Hall in the year 1884 to encourage art and artistes. Even after independence, the heritage structure is a witness to many historical events. Till recently, more dramas were staged by professional artistes at Town Hall, but it remains closed since three months depriving the art patrons.

Several crores of rupees has been spent on renovation works of the Town Hall, with a dedicated Committee formed to take care of its maintenance. Following the expiry of MCC Council’s term, the Officers have ignored Town Hall leaving the facility in disuse leading to abandoning of the building.

Earlier, Town Hall premises was a favourite among radio listeners and to relax for sometime at the garden. Now, with the same spot turning into a vehicle parking lot, the main gate of the Town Hall has been shut restraining even the public entry. It is a dishonour to the royalty that ceases to exist.

MCC Commissioner should take note of the pathetic situation and re-open Town Hall for public programmes and the main gate should also be re-opened, urged former Mayor Swamy.