Debate over heritage buildings’ restoration gains pace

Mysuru: The public works department (PWD), known mainly for roadworks and new govt buildings, has said it is willing to take up restoration of heritage structures if it is formally invited for the same. Mysuru has a large stock of heritage buildings under different govt agencies, including Mysuru City Corporation.

Conservationists and citizen groups have repeatedly raised concerns about the manner repairs and upgrades are carried out, stressing the need for trained personnel, appropriate materials and heritage-sensitive methods for structural strengthening, facade work and adaptive reuse.

INTACH convener NS Rangaraju, a former member of Mysuru's heritage committee, earlier pointed out that some heritage structures are not being conserved to accepted standards. He had also criticised the use of cement concrete in repairs of clocktower, arguing that traditional lime and mortar — materials used during the maharajas of Mysuru — are better alternatives.

The debate has sharpened around the Lansdowne Building, where the controversy centres on whether the ageing structure should be demolished and replaced or restored and reused. Those supporting demolition argue the building is unsafe, expensive to repair and restricts commercial growth in a prime location. They say a modern replacement could provide improved public space. Opponents and heritage lovers counter that the building has architectural and cultural value and that demolition would erase Mysuru's heritage as it is one of the famous landmarks.

Recently, there was demand from Mysuru royal family member Pramoda Devi Wadiyar that heritage structures like Lansdowne Building and Devaraja Market be restored by heritage conservationists, and not by agencies without heritage experience like PWD.

When contacted, PWD secretary C Sathyanarayana told TOI the department has so far not handled heritage conservation, as its work is largely limited to roads and new buildings. However, he said that if invited to undertake conservation projects, the department would be ready and would rope in heritage experts to execute the works.Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Bakrid wishes, messages and eid 2026