The iconic century-old Amba Vilas Palace, popularly known as the Mysuru palace, may soon get its own fire management squad as the Department of Fire and Emergency Services is keen on setting up a fire station on its premises.
Being a monument of national importance, frequented by over three million domestic and international tourists annually, the department has recommended setting up a station on the lines of the ones at the Vidhana Soudha and Multistoried Building in Bengaluru.
The exterior of the expansive palace is fully wired as it is illuminated using over one lakh incandescent bulbs. The idea has more credence as the original palace was destroyed in a fire in 1897 and a new palace was built on the same site.
Deputy Commissioner C. Shikha, who is also the Executive Officer of Mysore Palace Board, told The Hindu that she has not come across any recommendation on setting up a fire station at the palace.
However, the suggestion is good one since the palace happens to be a major edifice admired worldwide for its architecture and majesty, she said.
“We will give serious thought to the recommendation if it is submitted to us,” she added.
“There was a proposal made to the palace board earlier, but there has been no response. The station and a squad can provide round-the-clock fire safety to the palace,” Chief Fire Officer K.P. Gururaj told The Hindu .
When contacted, Palace Board Deputy Director T.S. Subramanya said the palace already has its own fire management system with equipment, and all necessary precautions had been taken for fire safety.
Sources in the fire department said, “When the palace can have an independent police wing headed by an officer of the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police, why can’t the palace have a fire station?”
It’s a good suggestion to establish a fire station on the premises of Mysuru palace, which happens to be an edifice of national importance, frequented by lakhs of tourists.
C. Shikha,
Deputy Commissioner
