In a press release issued on Thursday, former Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) member Mallesh raised alarm over potential disasters at the historic Bowring complex, urging authorities to take immediate preventive measures. Mallesh emphasized that Mysuru, being a heritage hub, has every corner steeped in historical significance, and the Bowring site is no exception.
Heritage at Risk
Mallesh pointed out that the Bowring building, which has stood for over a century, now shows signs of severe neglect. He warned that without timely intervention, the structure could collapse, endangering lives and causing irreversible loss to the city's cultural heritage. The ex-corporator stressed that Mysuru's identity as a heritage city demands proactive conservation efforts.
Call for Action
In his statement, Mallesh called on the Mysuru City Corporation and the state archaeological department to conduct a structural audit of the Bowring premises. He also urged the authorities to cordon off unsafe areas and deploy safety measures to prevent accidents. The press release highlighted that similar heritage buildings in other cities have faced tragedies due to negligence, and Mysuru must learn from those mistakes.
Mallesh further noted that the Bowring complex, once a bustling medical facility, now stands largely unused. He proposed that the government repurpose the building as a museum or cultural center, ensuring its preservation while generating public interest. The former corporator concluded by appealing to citizens to support heritage conservation and report any hazardous conditions in historical sites.
The press release comes amid growing concerns over the safety of old structures in Mysuru, with several heritage buildings showing deterioration. Local activists have also joined the call for urgent action, organizing awareness campaigns about the Bowring issue. The MCC has yet to respond to Mallesh's warnings, but sources indicate that a preliminary inspection may be scheduled soon.
