Mysuru: The Mysore Grahakara Parishat (MGP) has urged elected representatives and government officials to intervene against ongoing South Western Railway (SWR) construction near two government schools at Vontikoppal in V.V. Mohalla.

In a letter dated September 22, 2026, MGP Working President S.K. Dinesh urged Mysuru Deputy Commissioner G. Lakshmikanth Reddy to take immediate action to stop the construction on an open space adjoining the century-old Government High School at Vontikoppal.

The site is located opposite the Sri Lakshmivenkataramanaswamy Temple and near the Yadavagiri Government Higher Primary School.

MGP alleged that SWR has resumed construction of a multi-storey building, residential complex, indoor stadium and auditorium on the site despite earlier directions to halt the work.

MGP raises objections over railway construction

According to MGP, the construction is being undertaken on land that is designated as open space and raises questions about compliance with State and municipal regulations.

The civic organisation alleged that the Railways was relying on Section 11 of the Railways Act to proceed with the construction. MGP argued that the provision’s overriding powers are intended for essential railway infrastructure such as railway tracks, bridges, tunnels, stations and yards.

It maintained that structures such as residential apartments and a Kalyana Mantapa would not fall within the category of essential railway infrastructure and should therefore comply with applicable State and municipal regulations.

MGP also alleged that the construction violates provisions of the Parks and Open Spaces Act, which it said applies to the Railways when construction is not connected to essential railway infrastructure.

Open-space status questioned

MGP cited the assessment of retired Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) Town Planning Director A.V. Rangesh, who, according to the organisation, confirmed that the area is designated as open space in the Mysuru Master Plan.

Based on this, MGP said the Railways would require permission from MUDA for construction on the land.

The organisation has also raised concerns over the proximity of the project to the Vontikoppal Government High School, which is more than a century old.

MGP said the school’s heritage status places restrictions on construction in its immediate surroundings and urged authorities to ensure that the school and its surroundings are protected.

MGP says earlier directives were ignored

MGP further referred to a spot inspection conducted by Regional Commissioner Nitish Patil.

According to the organisation, Patil had confirmed that State laws prohibit construction around schools that have existed for more than 12 years. MGP also said the Deputy Commissioner had previously issued directions to halt the construction.

The civic organisation alleged that work had nevertheless resumed.

MGP has now urged the Deputy Commissioner to reissue directions to Railway officials to immediately stop all construction activity around the school.

It further stated that structures already constructed could be liable for demolition if they were built without obtaining the necessary permissions from State and municipal authorities.

These are claims made by MGP in its representation and would be subject to verification by the competent authorities.

Railway Minister had assured protection, says MGP

MGP also referred to an assurance allegedly given by Union Minister for Railways V. Somanna to the school’s headmaster on September 20.

According to MGP, Somanna had assured the headmaster that the school would be protected.

The civic organisation has nevertheless sought immediate administrative intervention, arguing that the construction should not continue until the relevant legal and planning issues are resolved.

Letters sent to elected representatives and officials

MGP has circulated copies of its representation to several elected representatives and senior officials, seeking their intervention.

The recipients include Mysuru MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, MLAs K. Harishgowda and T.S. Srivatsa, Regional Commissioner Nitish Patil and South Western Railway Divisional Railway Manager Mudit Mittal.

The organisation has called for immediate action to protect the Vontikoppal Government High School and the neighbouring Yadavagiri Government Higher Primary School.

The dispute now centres on whether the ongoing railway-related construction on the site complies with applicable land-use, planning and school-protection regulations. A response from the Railway authorities or the concerned government departments was not included in the representation provided.