Heritage buildings in Mysuru to be categorised as Grade I, II, III

The exercise commenced early this week. The District Heritage Committee will cover 129 notified heritage buildings in the first phase, based on their importance

The notified heritage buildings in Mysuru will be graded based on their architectural importance and their existing condition in an exercise that will help prioritise structures that require immediate intervention for conservation.

The exercise commenced early this week and will cover 129 notified heritage buildings in the first phase. Prof. N.S. Rangaraju of INTACH-Mysuru and member of District Heritage Committee, said that though Mysuru has more than 500 heritage buildings as per a revised estimate, they are yet to be declared as such by the authorities.

‘’The grading will be restricted to 129 buildings that have been declared as heritage structures of importance,” he added.

The committee members engaged in the task are following the grading norms laid down in the Karnataka Municipal Corporation Model Building (Amendment) Bylaws, 2021, The grading will be based on the criteria for listing of heritage sites, said Prof. Rangaraju.

The value for architectural, historical or cultural reasons, the date or the period of construction, the design, unique uses of the building, relevance to social or economic history, association with well-known persons are some of the criteria for grading. This apart, a building or group of buildings of distinct architectural design, style or of historical period having sociological interest or of community value will also be considered for grading, according to Prof. Rangaraju.  

According to the amended bylaws, heritage buildings are can be classified under Grade I, II or III category.

Grade I buildings will be structures of national or historical importance, embodying excellence in architectural style, design or aesthetics, or are associated with great historical events or personalities, and are reckoned to be the prime landmarks of the city.