Move to remove fountain at Visvesvaraya circle invites wrath

Is it a wise decision? Private company to develop circle at an estimated ` 40 lac

As per the decision of a committee responsible for naming the junctions, Bangalore-based builders, Skytop Developers will work on a replica of the canopy and install a brass statue of Sir M Visvesvaraya.

The company has come forward to fund ` 40 lakh on its own for the structure.
However, the proposal has invited mixed reactions among the public and the experts, with a majority feeling that such a change was unnecessary and will only be an eyesore on the road.

Unwise  

Though, there is no second opinion on the contributions of Visvesvaraya in his capactiy as an engineer and Dewan of Mysore, the public opinion says the MCC should have worked practical realities before deciding on the venue and could have chosen a much better location.

According to Mayor Sandesh Swamy, the circle if developed on lines of the KR Circle Canopy it would only support the ‘Rajamarga’ project of the MCC.

“The private company approached us with the proposal. It was whetted at the committee after considering the immense contribution of the former Dewan of Mysore.

We issued a notification calling for objections, discussed the issue in the council and finally gave approval.

We hope the structure will add to city’s beauty. As the circle near Ayurveda hospital was named after Visvesvaraya, it was decided to install his statue there,” he said.

Criticism

However, the experts differ with the claims of the MCC. Dr M S Nagaraja Rao, an expert in the heritage structures said the erection of a tomb-like canopy will be an eyesore in the region.

Earlier, in the morning, Mayor Sandesh Swamy performed a pooja signifying the onset of works for the project.

Speaking to media, Managing Director of the company B L Nagendra Prasad reiterated that his company will fund the ambitious project.

The fee feet tall statue is already completed and the work on the project will begin soon. It will be completed in 3 months after the start of project.

President of Institution of Engineers A S Satish, former president of IE and convener of ACICM M Lakshmana and others were present.

Expert opinion 

It is not correct to change the original character of the junctions. The fountain has a heritage significance. Instead, it must be revived growing ornamental plants to make the circle more attractive. I won’t oppose the installation of statue. But, officials failed to choose a proper place for it.
Irwin Road is named after the British officer who designed the Amba Vilas mansion. It is unfortunate that MCC takes unilateral decision on such crucial issues. The circle is small compared to the K R Circle and Chamarajendra circle. Such a structure with dome will be an eyesore there.
The former Maharajas had good advisors for town planning. If the Maharajas desired, they could have gone for another canopy like structure in the circle near Ayurvedic college. The reason why they did not do so, if for us to understand that the place is not suitable for such structures.

- Dr M S Nagaraja Rao, Expert on Heritage and Archaeology

There is no second word about the contributions of Sir M Visvesvaraya to Mysore state in general and Mysore city in particular. The city should have a statue of the Bharat Ratna. But, a canopy-like project along with a statue near Ayurvedic college can congest the area if it involves expansion of circle. The junction is small. The MCC authorities should consult with the experts before going ahead with the project. The Corporation should take all points of views, pros and cons and the affect on the traffic, the general view of the place before going ahead with it.

- Krishna Vattam, journalist and member, INTACH 

The corporators and the MCC authorities have poor understanding of the history and heritage of city. The fall out is such absurd decisions. The statue and canopy is not at all suitable in the place. Moreover, when the MCC announces the Sayyaji Rao Road as ‘Rajamarga’, it is not suitable to have a statue of a non-member of the City’s royal family. The decision of the MCC to allow construction of a canopy and statue is unwise.

- P V Nanjaraje Urs, Historian