Centenary celebrations: Clock tower stands test of time

The clock tower, which has been a major landmark and a tourist attraction in the town, completes centenary on February 5.

The then Chief Commissioner of Kodagu (Coorg then) Sir Hugh Daly laid the foundation stone for the tower on February 5 in 1914. The land for the clock tower was donated by the Mukkatira family of Devanageri village, near here. 

Historians say that the clock tower was constructed to commemorate the Coronation Durbar held by King George V at New Delhi in 1911. It was inaugurated by the then District Magistrate R K Ellis in January, 1915. It is said that the tower was handed over to the then Town Municipal Council (TMC) by Mukkatira Ayyappa.

Conservation

The residents protested the proposal of the then Public Works Department Minister Chennabasappa, in 1977, to bring down the clock tower to widen the road. So, the clock tower was spared.

The clock has stopped working a couple of years ago. However, the present Town Panchayat (TP) took up repair works, just last year, and has restored its glory.

The TP has organised the centenary celebrations on February 5. Former presidents and vice-presidents of the former TMC will be felicitated on the occasion.