Sir,

This has reference to the write-up on the current pathetic condition of Multi-storey Parking facility under construction at the Town Hall (Star of Mysore dated Aug. 19 titled “Not Before Dasara Town Hall Parking, Irwin Road Widening”).

In 2012, when Mysore Grahakara Parishat (MGP) learnt about the MCC’s proposal to build a Parking facility at the Heritage Town Hall, a meeting was held with the MCC engineers. A spot inspection was also conducted with the MCC engineers, Bapu Satyanarayana, the renowned engineer, and Dr. Sudhir Vombatkere, expert on Heritage, myself and many other members of MGP.

At that time itself MGP made it clear that it would be a total violation and wanton destruction of Heritage value of the prestigious Town Hall to build a Parking facility behind the edifice.

With my personal knowledge of Makkaji Chowk and the Central Business District (CBD), I drew the attention of these Engineers that this place is the lowest spot in CBD and is susceptible to flooding every year and hence the location is not suitable. Also that the adjoining roads were narrow and are having very heavy traffic which would hinder entrance and exit to the proposed Parking lot.

The accompanying MCC Engineers gave an assurance that the top level of Parking facility will be just 2 feet above the ground and that also will be covered with greenery by laying grass at the top. They also assured the members of MGP that care will be taken to assure that the Exit and Entrance to Parking facility does not enhance the traffic on adjoining roads.

It is very unfortunate that every warning from MGP and the assurances given to it have been totally violated by these Officers of MCC. Looks like they did so with full knowledge that they were not telling us the truth.

Therefore, all those Officers who were involved in the sanction of and destruction of Heritage Makkaji Chowk and also the Heritage Town Hall have to be held responsible for such wanton destruction of city’s heritage as also the public funds.

– R. Chandra Prakash, former President of MGP, Camp: Darien, Connecticut USA, 20.8.2019

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