Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Jan 30: Restoration works have begun to conserve the centuries-old British-era Dakshina Kannada deputy commissioner’s office building, which had fallen into a dilapidated state, as a heritage structure. The initiative has been taken up by the revenue department with the aim of preserving the historic building and giving it a renewed purpose.
The government has decided to retain the architectural charm of the heritage structure and later utilise it as an art gallery, museum, exhibition space and for similar cultural activities. Accordingly, the revenue department has sanctioned an initial grant of Rs 2 crore, and repair works are currently underway under the supervision of the Dakshina Kannada District Nirmithi Kendra.
The restoration work has been in progress for the past one-and-a-half months. In the first phase, roof tiles across the building have been removed and the deteriorated old wooden rafters have been cleared. The tiles have been carefully stacked nearby and will be reused during the reconstruction of the roof.
The single-storey building has a wooden flooring on the first level, which remains structurally sound. However, the rear portion of the building had suffered extensive damage. As it remained unused and neglected for several decades, the roof deteriorated, allowing rainwater to seep in, which weakened the walls and pillars. Some severely damaged portions have now been completely dismantled as part of the repair process, while structurally stable sections have been retained.
Woodworkers are currently engaged in repairing damaged window frames, railings, cupboards and other wooden elements throughout the building. Several walls have holes and eroded patches, all of which will be repaired and restored. All damaged sections will be rectified in a phased manner.
It may be recalled, in 2024, the then deputy commissioner M Mullai Muhilan had instructed Nirmithi Kendra officials to clean and restore the building. At that time, temporary repairs were carried out in view of Heritage Week celebrations. Architecture students had prepared drawings of the building, following which advice was sought from the Bengaluru chapter of INTACH regarding its conservation. INTACH subsequently prepared a comprehensive restoration plan estimated at Rs 17 crore.
When the Rs 17 crore INTACH plan is implemented, associated structures such as the adjacent archive building and the World War martyrs’ memorial will also be restored.
For the present, the focus is on completing the roof repairs and constructing toilets, after which the building will be made available for literary and cultural programmes. Officials believe that once the roofing work is completed, it will be easier to carry out interior restoration.
“Before the onset of the monsoon, the roofing and terrace works are expected to be completed within the next two months. All other damaged sections will then be repaired without disturbing the building’s original heritage appearance. Old roof tiles will be reused after applying chemical coating to prevent further deterioration. Some damaged old trusses and beams have already been replaced, while efforts are being made to retain the original architectural style,” said Dakshina Kannada District Nirmithi Kendra director Rajendra Kalnavi.
During a previous visit to Mangaluru, revenue minister Krishna Byre Gowda discussed the future of the building with local MLAs and public representatives. Although there were discussions about leasing the property to private parties for maintenance, the minister ultimately expressed interest in retaining it as a government asset and managing it entirely with government funds. Following this, an initial amount of Rs 2 crore has been released for the restoration works.