Mysuru: The Karnataka government is poised to undertake the restoration of 11 of the most endangered heritage buildings in Mysuru, at an estimated cost of ₹96.8 crore. This initiative comes as part of an effort to preserve the 131 heritage buildings listed by the State government in this historic city.
Commissioner of the Department of Archaeology, Museums, and Heritage (DAMH), A Devaraju, alongside Mysuru district administration led by DC Dr. K V Rajendra, has formulated a comprehensive proposal for the restoration project. Devaraju stated, “Once the government approves the proposal, a Detailed Project Report (DPR) will be prepared, and conservation steps will be initiated.”
The proposal outlines the restoration costs for various significant buildings: Vani Vilas Market at ₹9.28 crore, Attara Khacheri (old DC office) at ₹13.5 crore, fire brigade building at ₹3.9 crore, Maharani’s Science College at ₹10.65 crore, Government Certified School for Girls at ₹2.83 crore, Maharaja’s College at ₹18.45 crore, Yuvaraja’s College at ₹17.7 crore, Union Building (Department of Mass Communication and Journalism at Maharaja’s College) at ₹5.8 crore, Music University (Lakshmipuram Girls School) at ₹3.62 crore, Government Children’s Girls Home at ₹4.9 crore, and Maharaja’s Sanskrit Patashala at ₹6.13 crore.
The planned restoration work includes preparatory activities, structural restoration, roof repairs, consolidation and crack stitching, plaster work, art, plastering and ornamental work, flooring, painting, anti-termite treatment, and waterproofing. Additionally, service upgrades such as electrical, plumbing, fire safety, internet, and CCTV installation are slated for Vani Vilas Market, Maharaja’s College, and Yuvaraja’s College.
Devaraju emphasized the importance of basic maintenance by current occupants of the heritage buildings to prevent water logging and plant growth, which can cause significant damage. This advice was shared during a meeting of the Mysuru district Heritage Experts Committee (HEC).
The DAMH has also proposed relaxing criteria in the ‘Adopt a Monument’ scheme to facilitate easier adoption by NGOs and trusts, thus broadening the scope for conservation funding through corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Currently, only 13 heritage structures in Karnataka have expressions of interest for restoration, with none from Mysuru.
DC Dr. Rajendra, head of the HEC, mentioned efforts to secure state and CSR funds for the conservation project. Meanwhile, HEC member and retired professor N S Rangaraju has completed a survey of 121 out of 131 declared heritage structures, with a comprehensive report forthcoming. He estimated that restoring all heritage buildings in Mysuru would require at least ₹1,000 crore.
“Mysuru was declared a heritage city in 2004 due to its over 600 historically significant and valuable structures. Despite recommendations to declare 234 buildings as heritage structures, only 131 have been recognized by the government. Conserving these structures is essential for preserving the city’s rich history for future generations,” Rangaraju stated.
