Bangalore being stripped of monuments in garb of modernity

Bangalore being stripped of monuments in garb of modernity
Khaleej Times


BANGALORE is being stripped of its heritage structures. Bungalows exuding old world charm have increasingly come under developers’ axe. Several public buildings of yore have vanished to fulfil the dictates of modernity.

Granite buildings, which were typical of Bangalore’s architecture have been replaced by matchbox structures of concrete, glass and steel. They rarely reflect anything other than commercial prudence in use of space.

Two months ago old Taluka Office on the City’s main thoroughfare, Kempegowda Road vanished into oblivion. It is going to be replaced by an eight-storey edifice. Former Mysore Diwan’s (i.e., Sir M. Visveswaraya) bungalow on the Vidhana Veedhi, which also hosts Bangalore’s majestic Vidhana Soudha (Assembly building), was demolished and a 22 storey annexe to Vidhana Soudha came up on the place. It is an ugly structure which is an odd patch on the serene ambience.

Several movie houses on Kempegowda Road and other parts of the City were rendered obsolete as new technology altered cinema watching habits. Last month bulldozers moved in to obliterate Naga theatre on the quiet St. John’s Road in Cantonment area.

Shopping malls that are coming up on these places are urging the people to make shopping a pastime and splurge.

State Information Department used to operate out of an old bungalow on the Infantry Road. It was demolished to erect a new building. Geology Museum collapsed under incessant rains in 1982. A chrome paneled Khanija Bhavan (literally 'Ore Building') stands at its place on the Racecourse Road. Government Printing Press beside Vidhana Soudha was a memorable structure. It is now replaced by Vikasa Soudha, a stately structure almost akin to Vidhana Soudha.

If the government would have been allowed to have its way, even the Attara Cutchery building which houses Karnataka High Court would have vanished. Public outcry saved it and the administration secured it with renovation.

The old Mythic Society on Nrupthanga Road today stands sandwiched between two high rise buildings, totally disabled from exuding its aura for the visitors. It makes a pathetic sight.

However, the red building of Central College retains its charm and its shaded trees are a haven for lovelorn couples.

A few of the graceful, old bungalows in Cantt. area have defied the modern day urges. But how long would they do is a moot question. Younger generation weighs the space in terms of money, not by its heritage, and social and aesthetic value.

Clouds of uncertainty

EVEN as City is getting cooled, the political climate is gathering clouds of uncertainty. Former prime minister Deve Gowda who is calling all the shots in the state’s politics, is keeping the BJP on its toes. He is turning the heat on its coalition partner, the BJP and kicking up a new issue by the day.

He seems to say: ‘Fall in line or else’. The ‘wily’ politician, known for his somersault, has now asked the BJP to make its stand clear on reservation pattern to be followed by the state. Gowda is eyeing the Other Backward Class (OBC) vote bank and wants a separate subquota for the most backward communities among them. The BJP can disagree with Gowda at its own peril. If it bows to the demand, the Janata Dal (Secular) can always claim moral victory. Refusal would mean denying the BJP supremo B. S. Yediyurappa his share of the chief ministerial tenure.

Cool evenings

HUMID days and cloudy, cool evenings have returned to the city. Heat is departing. Bangalore is getting back its characteristic cool summer that has perennially drawn visitors to it. Clouds keep hovering all day long but threaten to burst into rains only around evenings.

Bangalore denizens have drawn a deep sigh of relief after a torrid summer this year which had a tenure longer than it is usually due. March and the first fortnight of April had no rains. Sun blazed mercilessly, scorching the city’s gardens to straw.

Mangoes have appeared on the shelves full 45 days after they were scheduled to arrive. Costermongers however are not happy, for the juicy fruit still taste sour. More rains are urged for them to turn sweet.
Bangalore being stripped of monuments in garb of modernity
By M.A. Siraj (Bangalore Buzz)

8 May 2007


BANGALORE is being stripped of its heritage structures. Bungalows exuding old world charm have increasingly come under developers’ axe. Several public buildings of yore have vanished to fulfil the dictates of modernity.

Granite buildings, which were typical of Bangalore’s architecture have been replaced by matchbox structures of concrete, glass and steel. They rarely reflect anything other than commercial prudence in use of space.

Two months ago old Taluka Office on the City’s main thoroughfare, Kempegowda Road vanished into oblivion. It is going to be replaced by an eight-storey edifice. Former Mysore Diwan’s (i.e., Sir M. Visveswaraya) bungalow on the Vidhana Veedhi, which also hosts Bangalore’s majestic Vidhana Soudha (Assembly building), was demolished and a 22 storey annexe to Vidhana Soudha came up on the place. It is an ugly structure which is an odd patch on the serene ambience.

Several movie houses on Kempegowda Road and other parts of the City were rendered obsolete as new technology altered cinema watching habits. Last month bulldozers moved in to obliterate Naga theatre on the quiet St. John’s Road in Cantonment area.

Shopping malls that are coming up on these places are urging the people to make shopping a pastime and splurge.

State Information Department used to operate out of an old bungalow on the Infantry Road. It was demolished to erect a new building. Geology Museum collapsed under incessant rains in 1982. A chrome paneled Khanija Bhavan (literally 'Ore Building') stands at its place on the Racecourse Road. Government Printing Press beside Vidhana Soudha was a memorable structure. It is now replaced by Vikasa Soudha, a stately structure almost akin to Vidhana Soudha.

If the government would have been allowed to have its way, even the Attara Cutchery building which houses Karnataka High Court would have vanished. Public outcry saved it and the administration secured it with renovation.

The old Mythic Society on Nrupthanga Road today stands sandwiched between two high rise buildings, totally disabled from exuding its aura for the visitors. It makes a pathetic sight.

However, the red building of Central College retains its charm and its shaded trees are a haven for lovelorn couples.

A few of the graceful, old bungalows in Cantt. area have defied the modern day urges. But how long would they do is a moot question. Younger generation weighs the space in terms of money, not by its heritage, and social and aesthetic value.

Clouds of uncertainty

EVEN as City is getting cooled, the political climate is gathering clouds of uncertainty. Former prime minister Deve Gowda who is calling all the shots in the state’s politics, is keeping the BJP on its toes. He is turning the heat on its coalition partner, the BJP and kicking up a new issue by the day.

He seems to say: ‘Fall in line or else’. The ‘wily’ politician, known for his somersault, has now asked the BJP to make its stand clear on reservation pattern to be followed by the state. Gowda is eyeing the Other Backward Class (OBC) vote bank and wants a separate subquota for the most backward communities among them. The BJP can disagree with Gowda at its own peril. If it bows to the demand, the Janata Dal (Secular) can always claim moral victory. Refusal would mean denying the BJP supremo B. S. Yediyurappa his share of the chief ministerial tenure.

Cool evenings

HUMID days and cloudy, cool evenings have returned to the city. Heat is departing. Bangalore is getting back its characteristic cool summer that has perennially drawn visitors to it. Clouds keep hovering all day long but threaten to burst into rains only around evenings.

Bangalore denizens have drawn a deep sigh of relief after a torrid summer this year which had a tenure longer than it is usually due. March and the first fortnight of April had no rains. Sun blazed mercilessly, scorching the city’s gardens to straw.

Mangoes have appeared on the shelves full 45 days after they were scheduled to arrive. Costermongers however are not happy, for the juicy fruit still taste sour. More rains are urged for them to turn sweet.