Maharaja PU College building leaves students, staff worried

Mysuru: Although the 150-year-old Maharaja PU College building remains one of the city's most prestigious heritage structures, its dilapidated condition is now posing a direct risk to the safety of the 2,200 students and nearly 60 employees, including the faculty members of the institution. On Thursday, a portion of the building's ceiling collapsed.However, no injuries were reported since there were no students at the time of the incident. But, students and staff alike now fear for their safety.
Built in 1866 by Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar, the structure was initally called Raja Free School and counts amongst its alumni the novelist RK Narayan. In 1972, pre-university classes started in the same building and now, there are hardly 150 high school students on the campus, now almost entirely dominated by the PU college.
The building has not undergone major renovations and the ceiling has never been re-plastered. On condition of anonymity, a few students confessed that the perilous condition of the building often diverts their attention away from the lessons.
Principal of Maharaja PU College, TR Siddaraju told TOI, "We have been requesting the government to take up repair works since 2014, but nothing has been done till now. After the incident on Thursday, MLA Vasu took up the issue seriously and sent a team of engineers from public works department (PWD) to the spot to estimate the overall cost for the repair works. They have estimated that the overall cost may amount to Rs 3.5 crore. Vasu has also assured us that it will be brought to the notice of chief minister Siddaramaiah and try his best to initiate repair works at the building. In addition to the repair works, the government should also take up construction of a compound wall and focus on building more toilet blocks. We also need at least five more attenders to monitor the science laboratories. Teachers are facing difficulties in conducting practical classes owing to scarcity of attenders."
Deputy director of PU education (in charge), Mysuru district, Regina P Malaki said, "I inspected the spot, and the building, particularly the plastering is in bad shape. Vasu has taken the initiative and it has also been brought to the government's notice. Government has told us to identify buildings that are in need of attention and in a few days, we will be submitting the list. Regarding the funds for maintenance of the college, that is decided by the government but I will still try to do my best to see that it is increased."
"The roofing and plastering may collapse any time. We request the government to immediately take up roofing and re-plastering work. Every day feels like a new lease of life for us," said some students.