MYTHIC SOCIETY RESTORATION

MYTHIC SOCIETY RESTORATION

Renovation may ruin heritage site

Management’s Plan To Construct Annexe Faces Opposition

Ashwini Y S | TNN


Bangalore: New constructions planned as part of the centenary celebrations of one of the city’s most important building may well spell disaster for it.
The Mythic Society on Nrupathunga Road has weathered well the ravages of time since 1909, though it needs small repair work. Now, the management plans a guest house and an auditorium.
Society president M K L N Shastry said a proposal had
been sent to the state government for a grant of Rs 1 crore for construction activity. He said the library would be expanded.
He said: “The main building can seat only around 150 people. But the society has been hosting seminars with large delegations. Since we don’t have any room, we requested the state for funds to build an auditorium in the same premises. We also need a guest house to put up our visitors from outside the city.’’
Where will the new buildings come up? There is abundant space in the front, but the Urban Art Commission had raised objections to any construction in the foreground. Shastry says that since the society will not get permission to carry out works in the front, they are planning it at the rear.
This will pose danger to the building. INTACH’s Bangalore convener H R Prathibha points out: “First, there is no space at the back for such major projects. Secondly, even if they go ahead and execute it, ample care should be taken to not harm the historic building. Who will be entrusted with the works is a big question.” The last apprehension is mainly because the PWD and BBMP don’t exactly have a great record when it comes to heritage buildings.
Prathibha said a law about this required. “Until rules are made and specifications are chartered, we will soon lose some of the most important heritage buildings in Bangalore,’’ she said.
As deputy chief minister B S Yediyurappa ordered the release of funds at a June 19 meeting, it is a matter of time that money reaches the society.
Research society
The Mythic Society, Bangalore, registered under the Societies Registration Act, was founded in 1909, to promote the study and research in Indology, Archaeology, Anthropology, Architecture, Art, Ethnology and allied subjects in Karnataka.
It acquired a well-stocked library, several rare and valuable manuscripts and literary works. The society has 400 members across the state