K R Nagar to be developed as heritage town

Krishnaraja Nagar (K R Nagar), a town built by Maharaja Krishnaraja Wodeyar on modern lines in Mysore district and which is set to turn 75, will be developed as a heritage city.

Located on the banks of the Cauvery river in a rural setting, Yedathore, named after Krishnaraja Wodeyar, after the Mysore Maharaja developed it on modern lines in 1935, retains its old charm though ill-planned structures are coming up in the town.

A team has been set up to formulate an early plan for the comprehensive development of the heritage structures that still exist, such as the channels and temples, which though are facing dilapidation. On the banks of the Cauvery stands the Arkeshwara temple with a bathing ghat and stone mantap. The place is a picnic-cum-pilgrim spot for the rural folks.

 

The proposal mooted by local MLA S R Mahesh was discussed at a meeting of officials presided over by deputy commissioner Harsh Gupta.

After the meeting, he said it was proposed to obtain a special grant from the government and create additional facilities for visitors after developing the heritage spots and structures in the town.

A committee to develop the town, popularly known by its abbreviated name K R Nagar, as a heritage town has been set up. It comprises of deputy director of heritage J V Gayathri, Mysore City Corporation Heritage Cell officer Nisha Naidu, and professors concerned from the Mysore University.

Meanwhile, it is proposed to restore the old taluk office building instead of demolishing it to make way for a mini-Vidhana Soudha and retain it as a monument to Krishnaraja Wodeyar, the builder of the modern town of K R Nagar.

Apart from K R Nagar, it is also proposed to improve two heritage buildings in Mysore - the government house, one of the oldest structures in the city, and the Jala Darshini (Water View) guest house facing the Kukkarahalli tank, said the deputy commissioner.

Orders will be issued shortly for undertaking modernisation of the government house at Rs 2 crore and the Jala Darshini at a cost of Rs 1 crore, without damaging their heritage look. If not by Dasara, the two buildings will be readied by next year as the chief minister and minister in-charge of Mysore district have already approved the proposal, he said.

It has also been proposed to develop the Nanjaraja Bahadur Choultry on similar lines as it is one of the oldest choultries built by the maharajas. It will be developed under the supervision of heritage experts.

Facilities like a canteen to provide traditional Mysore meals and eatables, an auditorium, and a compound wall would be created for the convenience of wedding parties, trainees and sportspersons camping here.