Mysuru: Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) Commissioner M K Savitha has assured that the historic gate on Kanteerava Narasimharaja Wadiyar Road, leading towards the Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel, will be restored.
Savitha gave the assurance while responding to a memorandum submitted by activist Mike Prakash on Thursday, drawing attention to the poor condition of the artistic gate dating back to the Wadiyar era.
The issue has raised concerns among residents and heritage enthusiasts, as the structure is located on an important road in Mysuru, a city known for its historic buildings and heritage landmarks.
Historic structure remains neglected
According to Prakash, the gate has remained damaged and neglected for more than a decade. Overgrown shrubs and wild vegetation have surrounded the structure, while peepal (arali) trees have taken root on top of one of its pillars.
He said the roots of the trees could weaken the structure if they are not removed completely and may eventually cause further damage to the historic gate.
Prakash said the issue had been brought to the attention of authorities earlier and some trees had been removed. However, the roots were not completely cleared, allowing vegetation to continue affecting the structure.
The activist urged the MCC to take immediate measures to clear the vegetation surrounding the gate and remove trees along with their roots to prevent further deterioration.
The condition of the gate had also been highlighted in a report published by Deccan Herald on July 19, 2026.
Traffic bottleneck raises safety concerns
Apart from its heritage significance, the gate has become a traffic bottleneck on the busy Kanteerava Narasimharaja Wadiyar Road, which connects Mysuru with T Narsipur and Bannur.
Prakash pointed out that the central passage through the gate is narrow, making it difficult for two buses or other large vehicles to pass simultaneously.
With the road carrying regular traffic, the narrow passage can result in congestion, particularly when buses or other heavy vehicles approach the gate from opposite directions.
Local residents have suggested opening one side of the gate for vehicles travelling towards Chamundi Hill or the city. They believe such an arrangement could help improve traffic flow while retaining the historic structure.
The traffic concerns have added another dimension to the issue, with residents seeking both conservation of the heritage structure and measures to ensure smoother movement of vehicles.
Citizens seek timely restoration
Residents have expressed disappointment over the condition of the gate, particularly because it is situated in a prominent part of the heritage city.
They have questioned why the deterioration of the structure has not received adequate attention despite the road being used regularly by thousands of people, including government officials.
Prakash has urged the MCC Commissioner to initiate measures to clear the vegetation, completely remove the trees and their roots, restore the damaged portions of the historic gate and examine ways to improve traffic movement through the location.
The assurance from the MCC Commissioner has raised hopes among residents that the long-neglected structure will finally receive attention.
Restoring the gate would not only address concerns regarding the safety and structural condition of the heritage feature but could also help preserve an important reminder of Mysuru’s Wadiyar-era architectural legacy.