Even as it looks like the buck stops with Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy on the fate of Devaraja Market and Lansdowne Building, two important heritage properties in Mysuru identified for demolition, civil society groups have called for the constitution of a new committee comprising experts in the field of civil engineering and heritage conservation, including those from INTACH and IHCNF, to decide on the future course of action.
Mysuru Grahakara Parishat (MGP), which has been opposing demolition of the two buildings, on Thursday urged district in-charge Minister G.T. Deve Gowda to request the Chief Minister to constitute the committee and have it give its recommendation within a short time. “An approach based on technical factors rather than political considerations should guide us in shaping the future course of action. If we delay the decision, as we have been doing for years, the two heritage gems will be lost forever,” said Bhamy V. Shenoy of the MGP.
“If we continue to demolish our heritage buildings and sites, all in the name of modernisation, we will end up altering the basic character of the city. Why will any tourist be interested in visiting Mysuru to see modern gleaming buildings? Agraharas or crowded back streets of Devaraj Urs Road are far more attractive to tourists,” he said.
Dr. Shenoy said that Mysuru City Corporation wants to demolish the two heritage structures ignoring the advice of heritage experts. “If we analyse the findings of these supposedly conflicting reports, it is possible to find a solution to convert the current zero-sum game into a win-win situation,” he said.
The consumer activist said all experts with competence in preserving heritage buildings have fully supported restoration of the two heritage sites. A task force, mostly consisting of Mysuru engineers with expertise in civil engineering, have submitted a report that looks like it is recommending “total demolition” of the buildings. The task force has found that while the foundation and walls are sound, the roofs require major work. The task force was also critical of shop owners who have done repair work without taking expert advice, Dr. Shenoy said in a release.
He said the MGP had suggested that the collapse of some portions of Devaraja Market a few years ago was because of inadequate engineering maintenance. “This view was supported subsequently by experts. The MGP had recommended immediate restoration work,” he recalled.