Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi

Udupi, Aug 30: The countdown has begun for the demolition of one of the city's historical buildings, which served as a sub-jail before independence and later became the old taluk office.

The building, constructed in 1906 by the British, has failed to secure heritage recognition despite several efforts. Preparations for demolition are underway, with tiles currently being removed to clear the way for a new city municipality office building.

This structure holds historical significance due to its connection with the freedom struggle. Built using small red bricks in the Madras roofing style, the building initially housed court proceedings and a prison where many freedom fighters were detained. The building features 12 cells on both the top and bottom floors. It was used to detain prisoners until a new sub-jail was built at Hiriyadka. The building has been out of use for the past 10 years.

Despite a significant movement by architects and artists to preserve the building, the decision has been made to construct a new city municipality office in its place. A tender worth Rs 12 lac has been issued to demolish the 10,000-square-foot structure. The demolition has begun with the removal of tiles, and the deputy commissioner has ordered the contractor to preserve the sub-jail section while demolishing the rest.

The current city municipality building on Kavi Muddanna Road is overcrowded and lacks adequate parking, causing frequent traffic congestion during meetings. The lack of parking space forces the public to park far from the office when conducting business. This has led to long-standing demands for a new building.

Plans are now in place to construct a new building at a cost of Rs 45 crore, designed in a commercial complex style to generate revenue for the city municipality. The public has requested sufficient parking facilities in the new complex. There is also a suggestion to relocate the Urban Development Authority office to the new building to facilitate easier coordination of city planning and development tasks.