"We have stopped the demolition for the time being," Corporation Commissioner K S Raykar told PTI.
The house in Yadavagiri, built by Narayan in the early 50s when he wanted to move away from his residence at Laxmipuram, is being razed to make way for the apartment. Its ceiling has been partially demolished.
Narayan, regarded as one of the greatest Indian novelist, lived in this 100 x 120 ft structure from 1950 till he moved to Chennai in the 1990s due to ill health. The reclusive writer penned his masterpieces from the oval shaped 'bay-room' with massive windows that gave full view to the inspiring greenery outside.
Joint Director of the MCC's Town Planning Wing Chowdegowda visited the spot yesterday on Raykar's orders and directed the contractor to stop demolition till further orders. A group of writers who visited the house during a seminar held on his birth centenary in October 2006 had suggested it be converted to a museum, but nothing has come of it.
Published 06 September 2011, 11:50 IST