City may get a Museum and Art Gallery

Mysore/Mysuru: The Old Deputy Commissioner’s (DC) office, known as ‘Attara Kacheri’ during the British Regime, is all set to be converted into a museum. The Tourism Department has prepared a Detailed Project Report (DPR) to facelift  and conserve the heritage building at a cost of Rs. 45 crore which would be soon submitted to the State Government.

In its proposal, the Tourism Department has mentioned to house some of the rare artifacts including old coins, manuscripts, information on Wadiyar Dynasty, models of the Kings who ruled Mysuru Kingdom among others in the museum. Earlier, the department, under the ‘Swadeshi Darshan Scheme’ of the Central Government had proposed to develop the old DC office at a cost of Rs. 22 crore. However, with the change of plans, it has now been proposed to develop the heritage building at a cost of Rs. 45 crore. The Museum is also expected to display khadi and other handlooms and handicrafts.

Speaking to Star of Mysore, Department of  Tourism, Joint Director M.K. Savitha, said that the a meeting of Mysuru District Destination Management Committee headed by the Deputy Commissioner discussed on the matter following which the DPR had been prepared.

“The proposal will be discussed at the State-Level Destination Management Committee meeting following which the DPR would be submitted to the Central Government for the grant of funds. We have also proposed to develop the existing park and install a fountain in front of the museum to attract tourists,” she added.

The Tourism Department will also call for objections if any from various Departments including the Police, Mysuru City Corporation (MCC), Environment, Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA), Forest Department among others before implementing the project, said Savitha.

With Mysuru being one of the famous tourist destinations and D. Devaraj Urs Road the most preferred shopping destinations for the tourists, the Tourism Department has also proposed to upgrade this road with modern amenities.  According to Savitha, it has been proposed to illuminate the entire D.D. Urs Road along with installation of an attractive fountain at the centre to beautify the location.

It has also been proposed to ban vehicular movement on D.D. Urs Road and convert it into a walking path (like the Mall Road in Simla) for the tourists to have a hassle-free shopping. While the parking of tourist vehicles will be allowed on D.D. Urs Road, the authorities are mooting for an alternative parking place for shop owners. However, the final decision in this regard is yet to be announced. 

It may be recalled that Tourism Minister H.K. Patil, during his visit to Mysuru last year, had announced that the Old DC office was as ideal place to be converted into a museum.

Permanent Expo at Dasara Exhibition Grounds

Meanwhile, Tourism Department has also submitted another Detailed Project Report proposing to set up a permanent exhibition facility at the Dasara Exhibition Grounds. According to Tourism Joint Director Savitha, the facility will enable various organisations to have their expos at one single destination instead of organising them in various locations.