Disrepair, accessibility challenges causing inconvenience to Ex-Servicemen and their families

Mysuru: Squadron Leader A.B. Devayya Bhavan, located under the Department of Sainik Welfare and Rehabilitation in Mysuru, is currently in a state of disrepair, presenting significant challenges to Ex-Servicemen and their families who visit the facility for various purposes.

The area surrounding the Bhavan, including the main entrance via the old Deputy Commissioner’s Office, is filled with pits, stones and litter. This disorder creates considerable inconvenience for all visitors, particularly elderly Ex-Servicemen, who struggle to navigate the rough terrain.

While the Bhavan offers vital facilities for the welfare of Ex-Servicemen and their families, the condition of the premises undermines the purpose it serves.

Overgrown with weeds, rusting gates

The compound is overgrown with weeds, and the iron gate is rusting, with faded paint. Stones are scattered across the area haphazardly, making it easy for visitors to trip and potentially injure themselves.

Furthermore, the space near the gate is cluttered with piles of plant debris and plastic waste, which adds to the disorder and exacerbates the discomfort for those accessing the building.

Notably, the Bhavan was named in 2003 in honour of Squadron Leader Ajjamada Bopayya Devayya, a gallant fighter pilot martyred during the 1965 Indo-Pak war. The initiative to name the building after him was spearheaded by late Mandetira N. Subramani, President of the VeKare Ex-Servicemen Trust, who passed away on Sept. 21, 2023.

His efforts were instrumental in creating a dedicated space for the welfare of servicemen and Ex-Servicemen in the region.

Alternative access route

While there is an alternative access route via JLB Road, which is relatively better maintained, many visitors still prefer the old DC Office route as it serves as the main entrance. However, the conditions along this route remain problematic, with the gate and surrounding area being in dire need of attention. The lack of a proper nameplate for the Bhavan further complicates the situation, as Ex-Servicemen and their families, especially those travelling from distant places, often have to stop nearby to ask for directions.

Despite the challenging conditions of the premises, the Bhavan continues to offer essential services for Ex-Servicemen and their families. It provides more than 10 rooms for servicemen visiting Mysuru and nearby areas for tourism, as well as accommodations for those seeking medical treatment at local hospitals.

Military canteen service

The Golden Palm Extension Canteen, located within the Bhavan, offers groceries and household items at discounted rates for servicemen, drawing additional foot traffic to the facility. Furthermore, the Bhavan is regularly visited by Ex-Servicemen seeking assistance with rehabilitation issues, pension matters and other services.

Recognising the ongoing issues, the Department of Sainik Welfare and Rehabilitation has already planned for improvements to the Bhavan’s surroundings, including tarring the road, constructing a proper pathway, and introducing greening measures. Work on these improvements is expected to commence soon, as confirmed by officials.

S. Rajendra, an ex-serviceman, voiced his concerns, stating that the poor condition of the entrance and surrounding areas continues to be a major inconvenience.

He urged the authorities to address these issues promptly to ensure that the Bhavan remains a safe and welcoming space for all Ex-Servicemen and their families who rely on its services.