SWR construction at Vontikoppal Govt. School

Will write to DC, discuss with Union Minister V. Somanna: Minister Madhu Bangarappa

Mysuru: The century-old Government High School at Vontikoppal (V.V. Mohalla), opposite Sri Lakshmi Venkataramanaswamy Temple and the Yadavagiri Government Higher Primary School are facing a renewed threat to their land as South Western Railway (SWR) has resumed construction of multi-storey buildings and other facilities around the institutions.

The construction includes residential complexes, an indoor stadium and an auditorium. The development has raised concerns over the future of the schools and the learning environment of students.

The issue had earlier drawn the attention of Mysuru Deputy Commissioner (DC) G. Lakshmikanth Reddy following a series of reports in Star of Mysore and Mysuru Mithra. The DC had convened meetings on several occasions and directed officials to reserve around two acres of land surrounding the school for its use, including a playground.

However, Railway officials have resumed construction despite these directions.

Access restricted

Railway authorities had initially proposed to construct three apartment buildings on the left side of the school, along the road leading to Ramakrishna Vidyashala.

Although they subsequently agreed to drop the apartment block immediately adjacent to the school, construction of the other two buildings has  already begun.

If completed, the apartment blocks along the approach road could obscure the school from public view and leave students without adequate space for a playground. There are also concerns that access to the school could be severely restricted, with only 25-30 feet of space being left.

Land rights

The Karnataka Government Educational Institutions Land (Protection and Regulation) Act, 2026, provides that land on which a Government educational institution has been functioning continuously for at least 12 years shall vest with the State Government, free from encumbrances, claims and succession interests, notwithstanding anything contained in other laws.

Railway authorities have already constructed a marriage hall and several apartment buildings around the two schools. It is now proceeding with further construction, raising concerns that the remaining 2.13 acres surrounding the institutions could also be taken up, leaving little space for the schools to function.

Demand to reserve two acres

During an earlier meeting, the DC had directed officials to prepare a fresh plan by which 13 guntas of the available 2.13 acres, including the land in front of the school and adjoining the marriage hall, could be used for other purposes, while the remaining two acres would be reserved for the school.

Complaint to MCC

The Mysore Grahakara Parishat (MGP) has lodged a complaint with the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) Commissioner, alleging that construction is being carried out without obtaining the necessary approvals, violating Section 11 of the Railways Act.

Officials from the MCC Town Planning Division inspected the site yesterday afternoon. They instructed engineers to stop the work so that the matter would be brought to the notice of the Divisional Railway Manager.

The issue has come to my notice and I understand that Government Schools are affected. I have taken note of the newspaper reports and the letters submitted to the Deputy Commissioner. I will write to the DC on the matter and also discuss it with Union Minister of State for Railways V. Somanna. After obtaining a comprehensive report from all the concerned parties, we will convene a meeting and take appropriate steps to ensure that the schools are preserved.

— Madhu Bangarappa, Minister for School Education and Literacy

There are more than 120 students in the school and we have been achieving excellent results in the SSLC examinations every year. However, over the past year, the learning environment has deteriorated completely. Heaps of earth, pits and iron pillars surrounding the school, the constant movement of tipper trucks and concrete lorries and the huge amounts of dust generated by construction activities are seriously affecting not only the students but also our health.

— Mahesh, Head Master, Vontikoppal Government High School