MGP backs fight to save century-old Govt. Schools

Mysuru: The Mysore Grahakara Parishat (MGP) has extended its support to protect the century-old Government High School at Vontikoppal (V.V. Mohalla), opposite Sri Lakshmivenkataramanaswamy Temple and the Yadavagiri Government Higher Primary School.

The South Western Railway (SWR) has resumed construction of a multi-storey building, residential complex, indoor stadium and auditorium adjacent to the two schools. The Vontikoppal School has a history of 108 years.

MGP Founder-President Bhamy V. Shenoy said the organisation would submit a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner highlighting the historical importance of the schools and urging the District Administration to protect them.

Citing reports published in Star of Mysore, Shenoy visited the schools yesterday and expressed concern that the Railway projects were overshadowing the institutions and affecting their surroundings.

He recalled that the schools once had spacious grounds with hundreds of trees planted by the local community. Many of the trees have since been removed to make way for marriage halls and residential buildings.

“Not stopping there, the Railway Department is now carrying out construction in a manner that threatens the traditional school buildings, aiming to wipe out the institutions entirely,” he alleged.

MGP said it would soon submit a formal petition to the District Administration, detailing the historical importance of the schools and seeking steps to safeguard them. MGP Convener Dayanand Sagar was also present during the visit.

School atmosphere suffers

MGP alleged that Railway authorities had resumed construction despite Deputy Commissioner’s direction to leave two acres of land for the schools.

The organisation also alleged that construction work was being carried out at night despite the official direction to halt the work.

Heaps of soil piled up around the school have covered the campus in dust, creating an unhealthy environment for students, said Mahesh, Principal of the High School.

“Students are struggling even to breathe,” he said.