Fate of Lansdowne building in Mysuru hangs in balance

The state government is yet to decide whether to restore the existing structure or to rebuild the century-old Lansdowne building. Two expert committees which conducted studies, have given different recommendations on the works for the heritage structure.

Karnataka State Technical Task Force (KSTTF) and Heritage department had conducted separate studies on the structure and had given different reports and recommendations. While KSTTF has recommended rebuilding of the structure, the Heritage department in its interim report, has suggested restoration, said Mysuru City Corporation Commissioner (MCC) K H Jagadeesh.

He said the MCC is asking for the complete, detailed report from the Heritage department.

The MCC had sent both the reports to the state government which directed Deputy Commissioner Abhiram G Sankar to inspect the building.

The DC conducted the inspection recently. He would hold a meeting with the elected representatives to decide on the future course of action on the works of the building.

The Lansdowne building is out of bounds for the public as a portion of it collapsed on August 12, 2012.

Though the restoration works by Mumbai-based Savani Construction Company commenced in February 2016, the works were suspended after a portion of the nearby Devaraja Market collapsed in August 2016.

Following the mishap, the then Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who visited Devaraja Market, directed the officials to take the opinion of technical experts about the works on Lansdowne building. Thus the works stopped.

Earlier, the state government had earmarked Rs 6 crore for the restoration of Lansdowne building under its special grant of Rs 100 crore. Of the total amount, Rs 3 crore was earmarked to be spent on restoration works, while the remaining funds were sanctioned for drainage system, electricity and civic works.

Lansdowne building was constructed in the year 1892 to commemorate the visit of the then Governor General of India Lord Lansdowne to Mysuru.

The building was constructed using limestone mortar and wood.