Mysore : The Palace City of Mysore is known by several names, thanks to the several places of historical importance which dot this world famous tourist spot. Each monument in this historic city, has a different story to tell.
One such monumental building is the Gun House. This was a building where war materials including bullets were stored in the past. This building of archeological importance need to have been developed as a place of tourist importance and all efforts should have been made to enlighten tourists of the importance of this place.
But, sadly nothing much has happened and the result, the Gun House is fast fading away from public memory. Though the administration has erected a compound wall around the Gun House, the same has collapsed at some places.This, in turn has proved a haven for many anti-social elements. Today, the entire compound is littered and passersby even do not mind answering natures call here, thanks to the broken compound wall.
Though some time back, a restaurant was functioning here, even that has been closed and presently the Gun House virtually resembles a haunted house.
As of now, rumours are afloat that the land mafia was eying this heritage structure. If at all it haves its way, then Mysore is sure to lose one of its heritage buildings.The Gun House building is a private property of the Mysore royal clan. Still, the law of the land prevents the sale or transfer of such heritage structures or bringing about any change in its original structure.
As per latest reports, a Mumbai based entrepreneur , through a Mysore businessman and politician had placed forth a proposal to purchase the Gun House and its site for Rs 3 crores. However, this report is yet to be confirmed.
But, sources say the Mumbai businessman plans to develop the area around the Gun House by raising a commercial complex, by leaving the Gun House building untouched. There are reports that a prominent politician of the city is acting as a middleman and has taken up the responsibility of getting the requisite approval for the same from the authorities.
Gun House is just a stones throw away from the world famous Mysore Palace. If at all a commercial complex comes up here, then it would certainly harm the traditional significance of the Mysore Palace as well as the Gm House.
There is nothing much to worry if the rumours of the plans to purchase the Gun House site are mere rumours. But if there is some truth, then there is an urgent need for the government to look into the same and preserve this heritage structure.