Even as Bengaluru is still thinking of heritage conservation, smaller towns seem to have jumped into action.
The Anekal Planning Authority (APA), which oversees development of Sarjapura, Anekal, Attibele and Jigani, has specific provisions in its master plan. The APA Master Plan 2031, which was approved by Bangalore Metropolitan Region Development Authority in September 2014, says any development around “heritage structures, precincts of historic, aesthetic, architectural, cultural or environmental significance and natural features and sites of scenic beauty” should be approved by a special heritage committee.
Though the region does not have any declared monument, Lakshmipathi, Deputy Director of the APA, said the rule could be applied if approvals are sought close to the 17th century Sri Thimmaraaya Swamy temple, among other “old structures”.
PWD has no clue about restoration
For the Public Works Department, there is little difference between a two-century building and a recently built government office. This lack of distinction was highlighted during the restoration of the 150-year-old office of the superintendent of Lalbagh Gardens in Bengaluru. Conservation experts claimed the PWD used “modern, improper materials” to restore the limestone and mortar building.
Officials admit that there are no rules regarding restoration or protection of “heritage buildings”. “The tender process is the same, except for the High Court and the Vidhana Soudha. There are no restrictions on materials used or type of construction,” said a senior official.
