Maharani college building can be restored: PWD report

MYSURU: Soon after a portion of the roof, and the wall underneath, of the 106-year-old Maharani's Science College building collapsed, it was hinted by some that the heritage structure may be headed for demolition since its condition was too weak to warrant restoration.
This possibly understandably raised the hackles of conservationists in the city, fighting to preserve every last historic structure. Thankfully, the public works department (PWD), which was asked to assess the structural stability of the building, has deemed it worthy of conservation, much to the relief of conservationists.
The report submitted by the PWD cited the successful restoration of two structures, both of which are older than Maharani's Science College building by 20 years - the 127-year-old Jaladarshini Guest House, and the 125-year-old edifice housing the Maharaja's PU College. The two aforementioned structures were successfully restored based on advice from a Bengaluru-based private firm, and both buildings are in fine fettle till date. The officials have opined that suggestions from experts and firms with vast experience in conservation, and restoration, could be put into the renovation of the Maharani's Science College building, which was inspected by a seven-member team from the PWD.
Led by deputy director of the department of archaeology, heritage, and museums, CN Manjula, a team from the Mysuru District Heritage Committee, inspected the damaged building on Thursday, as part of the survey of all historic structures, which are being graded. Thus far, the expert panel has completed surveying 35 historic structures across Mysuru.
Prof NS Rangaraju, a member of the heritage committee, pointed out that the bricks constituting the Maharani's Science College building were still sturdy. "The bricks used in the construction of the building were of superior quality, and were unadulterated. They were reinforced with Madras RCC. We can certainly renovate this building," he added.
Prof Rangaraju expressed delight at the PWD recommending the renovation of a structure, given that the instinctive response of the government authority was to suggest reconstruction or demolition. "The PWD appears to have expanded its scope, adding to its manual of operations, restoration, and conservation. Maharani's Science College building can be conserved. I spoke to the administrators of the college, and suggested that the trees near the building be cut," he said.