Structure Dating to British Era to Make Way for Mini Vidhana Soudha
 
Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapura (RD/AF)
 
Kundapur, Sep 9: The office of the assistant commissioner (AC), built under the British rule, is in the process of being demolished.
 
The office, with its artistically carved pillars and inscriptions is being demolished to make way for the construction of a mini Vidhana Soudha by the public works department (PWD).

The process of issuing tender has reached the final stages and the mini Vidhana Soudha is set to be built at an estimated cost of Rs 2 crore on the same plot. The site was chosen as the department was facing a scarcity of space and despite public opposition, it was decided to demolish the structure for lack of alternatives.
 
The offices that were in the building have been shifted to the municipal building complex, in the midst of uproar by the public. 
 
The kingdom of Tipu Sultan was taken over by the British rulers in a series of battles, culminating with the death of Tipu in 1799. Thereafter, the imperial rulers built an administrative block here in 1813. The British administrative officers served at the office, which was functioning up till the decision to demolish it. The artistically carved pillars, doors, walls, ceiling etc convey the splendour of that era!
 
‘A new AC’s office block will be built on the same plot where the majestic building constructed by the British over a century ago stands,’ informed PWD engineer Uday. The existing building was not handed over earlier to PWD for technical reasons.  However, all the departmental procedures are now being completed and the building works will begin at the earliest,’ said engineer Uday.