Mysuru: The public works department (PWD), known primarily for road construction and new government buildings, has expressed its willingness to undertake restoration of heritage structures if formally invited to do so. Mysuru houses numerous heritage buildings under various government agencies, including the Mysuru City Corporation.
Concerns Over Conservation Standards
Conservationists and citizen groups have repeatedly raised concerns about the manner in which repairs and upgrades are carried out on these structures. They emphasize the need for trained personnel, appropriate materials, and heritage-sensitive methods for structural strengthening, facade work, and adaptive reuse.
NS Rangaraju, convener of INTACH and a former member of Mysuru's heritage committee, earlier pointed out that some heritage structures are not being conserved to accepted standards. He criticized the use of cement concrete in repairs of the clocktower, arguing that traditional lime and mortar—materials used during the rule of the Maharajas of Mysuru—are better alternatives.
Lansdowne Building Controversy
The debate has sharpened around the Lansdowne Building, where the controversy centers on whether the aging structure should be demolished and replaced or restored and reused. Those supporting demolition argue that the building is unsafe, expensive to repair, and restricts commercial growth in a prime location. They claim a modern replacement could provide improved public space. Opponents and heritage lovers counter that the building has architectural and cultural value and that demolition would erase an important part of Mysuru's heritage, as it is one of the city's famous landmarks.
Royal Family's Demand
Recently, Pramoda Devi Wadiyar, a member of the Mysuru royal family, demanded that heritage structures like the Lansdowne Building and Devaraja Market be restored by heritage conservationists, and not by agencies without heritage experience, such as the PWD.
PWD's Response
When contacted, PWD secretary C Sathyanarayana told TOI that the department has so far not handled heritage conservation, as its work is largely limited to roads and new buildings. However, he said that if invited to undertake conservation projects, the department would be ready and would rope in heritage experts to execute the works.
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