Heritage structures pose threat for people who come to witness dasara

Thousands of people throng to watch the dasara jumboo savari. They throng on top of the old buildings to watch dasara procession, or climb trees which may be threat for their life. There are 23 heritage building in procession route of five kilo meters and four buildings are in very dilapidated conditions. According to the heritage expert committee members Freemanson Hall (1894), Bojaiah and Shankar Shetty (1920), Cava (1913), CADA (1921), and might pose a threat for the people who come to witness dasara.

Though majority of the buildings appear strong in exterior, the interior of the buildings are in bad condition due to water seepage, lack of maintenance because of infrequent white wash and maintenance.

'Steps to be taken to prevent people from climbing the heritage buildings, which are in dilapidated condition. A safety check of all the old buildings before dasara has to be done. With one and half months left for the world famous dasara procession, the assessment works have to be taken on war footing to maintain the buildings, says citizen Ravindra Kumar.

'By maintaining the heritage structures in well conditions more tourists can be attracted. Cracks can be found in several heritage structures. Even no efforts are being made to paint the heritage structures and give minimum maintenance, adds Maharani College Student Geetha.

Heritage Department in-charge Commissioner Gavi Siddaiah said that instruction have been given to the concerned departments to maintain the heritage buildings, and a letter to District Administration seeking to construct the proposed new building of Devaraj Market retaining the heritage structure.