Historic Puttur School Site Lies Neglected Five Years After Demolition
In Mangaluru, a site that once housed a 160-year-old landmark in Puttur continues to be a scene of neglect and disarray, five years after its overnight demolition. The former government school building, constructed in 1865, was razed in 2021, leaving behind a pile of rubble with no clear strategy for restoration or even a basic cleanup effort.
A Heritage Edifice Lost to Time
Built in 1865, the structure was recognized as one of the earliest government school buildings in the region and was widely regarded as a heritage edifice. Over the decades, it evolved into a cultural center named after the renowned litterateur Dr K Shivaram Karanth, a Jnanapeetha awardee. The venue hosted drama workshops and served as a key location for Dasara festivities, embedding itself deeply in the community's cultural fabric.
Despite proposals to declare the building a heritage structure and undertake preservation efforts, these plans were never implemented before the demolition occurred. Residents and former stakeholders express frustration, noting that the site has since been abandoned, with debris transforming the premises into an eyesore.
Allegations of Indifference and Inaction
Local residents point fingers at the School Development and Monitoring Committee (SDMC) and school staff, accusing them of indifference towards the cleanup. Panchakshari, who served as SDMC president during the demolition, revealed that an inquiry by the Lokayukta halted any immediate action, and subsequent office-bearers failed to pursue the matter. He emphasized that the current SDMC and the education department still have the opportunity to initiate cleanup efforts.
Further complicating the situation, Ullas Pai, president of Rotary Puttur City, alleged that his organization, which had long been associated with the school, offered assistance to clear the debris but was rejected. According to Pai, the Rotary group was instructed not to involve itself in school activities, adding to the sense of community disconnect.
Official Response and Ongoing Responsibility
When contacted, Vishnuprasad, the block education officer of Puttur, clarified that clearing the debris and maintaining the premises falls under the responsibility of the school's SDMC. This statement underscores the bureaucratic hurdles that have contributed to the prolonged neglect of the site.
The lack of progress highlights broader issues in heritage preservation and local governance, leaving residents embarrassed and disheartened by the loss of a significant cultural landmark.
