Mysore: Mysore city known for its heritage structures and palaces will soon lose its tag if the government fails to put in place a Heritage Act, to check people from demolishing these structures. The heritage structures are also under threat as most of the 198 identified structures need immediate attention, as they are in a dilapidated condition.
Former chief minister S M Krishna declared Mysore a ‘Heritage City,’ and constituted the Mysore Agenda Task Force with prominent personalities to conserve the structures, and enhance the beauty of the city on the lines of Jaipur. He had also created the post of a heritage commissioner.
But little happened as the priorities of the next governments varied, and they also failed to bring in a Heritage Act or make amendments to the Karnataka Municipality Act. Private property owners who took advantage of the government’s delay in notifying Mysore as a heritage city, came out with a Heritage Act to bring an amendment to the Municipality Act, and managed to demolish heritage structures and landmarks like the Ritz hotel, Ranjit theatre, Anajana Match factory, Udupi Hotel, bus shelters in Siddappa Square and Chamundipuram Circle.
The boom in real estate is reason for demolishing these structures. The lack of coordination between the Mysore Urban Development Authority, Mysore City Corporation and Heritage Department has given an edge to owners to neglect the conservation of these structures.
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