One of the four watchtowers constructed by Kempegowda stands majestically near Ulsoor Lake.
One of the four watchtowers constructed by Kempegowda stands majestically near Ulsoor Lake. The public have no problems accessing the other three watchtowers that are situated at Bugle Rock, Lal Bagh and Mekhri Circle. This one, however, is occupied by the Madras Engineering Group (MEG), and remains out of bounds for the people.
The Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has been writing letters to MEG requesting it to restore public accessibility, but in vain. MEG personnel allow the public to visit the tower only on Kempegowda’s birthday.
“They allow us to visit the watchtower only once in a year. If they continue with this prohibitory policy, the day is not far when the youth of the city will forget about the existence of the watchtower here,’’ says Shamanna Gowda, a resident of Gupta Layout.
A few months ago, some residents a dharna demanding that the MEG vacate the place. Nothing materialised out of the protest. “They are not allowing me to visit the watchtower, forget the common people. There is a Muneswara Temple which the public are allowed to visit only on two days in a year,’’ rues R Udaya Kumar, corporator of Ulsoor ward.
Unlike the other towers, this one is not misused or in a dilapidated state. It is rather well-maintained by MEG personnel. The only issue is that of allowing the public see the monument. “As of now, it looks like an antique in a showcase. The public, especially children, will be benefited if MEG personnel allow them to visit the watchtower without any restrictions,’’ insists Shanmuga Sundaram from Ulsoor.
SS Khandre, BBMP’s public relations officer says that the joint commissioner (east) has been writing letters to MEG to hand over the tower to the BBMP. “We have been requesting them to do so, but they are yet to respond positively,’’ says Khandre.
Madhu Nair, defence PRO (south), contends that MEG will not create problems. “There will be no problems for the MEG to hand over the tower to the BBMP if it belongs to the latter,’’ he asserts.
Many wonder if there was a need at all for MEG to fence off the historical monument. But that would only be an academic debate. For the moment, one would have to wait for MEG to respond to the BBMP’s requests.
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