Bengaluru: Unlike Mysuru, the city of palaces, Bengaluru in recent times epitomises the thrust of e-commerce. Not for much longer. Not if city visionary and architect Naresh Narasimhan has his way. If the Tourism Ministry agrees, we could have our very own culture trail winding through Bengaluru that has 25 stops which include palaces, forts, churches and heritage buildings that hark back to the British Raj.
Mysuru has always been considered a heritage city, while Bengaluru has not been viewed along the same lines. But now, if things go as planned, Bengaluru might get a heritage corridor-cum trails. A few months ago, Naresh Narasimhan, a noted city architect from Venkataramanan Associates, displayed a presentation to tourism minister R.V. Despande, about a possible heritage trail from the Tipu Palace to the Bangalore Palace. Interestingly this stretch of five kilometers alone has over 25 heritage spots.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Naresh Narasimhan said, “Our idea is to create a heritage zone. As these palaces are not put to use extensively, we wanted to create something like a ‘Sawna Marga’, which means a golden corridor. I call it a ‘Swarna Valaya’. There are many old buildings, from KR Road, Avenue Road and Palace Road, that have a very rich history and were built during the British era. “90 per cent of the DPR is ready and we will present it to the tourism minister very soon,” he added.
Applauding the initiative, Sathya Prakash, convener of INTACH said, “This will definitely create awareness among people about the existence of various heritage buildings. “On any given day those who are free, can walk from one palace to another. “However,” he continued, “we have to put up proper sign boards, maps and provide an app to guide people.” He warned, “We must not lose any more buildings. They must be saved. If the government takes up the issue, we will know that they are serious.” The project’s main purpose: to create a heritage protection zone where demolition of timeless buildings for new constructions will be banned.
