Metropole Hotel revival plan hits roadblock

MYSORE: Although the plans for renovation of Hotel Metropole were announced about two months ago, nothing seems to be going right for the heritage building''s restoration.
After an inspection of Hotel Metropole, Karnataka tourism and information technology minister D.B. Inamdar had said the heritage structure had been handed over to Jungle Lodges and Resorts Limited for restoration and maintenance.
The latter were to seek renowned architects'' help to restore the structure without affecting its heritage value.However, very little seems to be progressing on ground.
Hotel Metropole is hogging news for the wrong reasons ever since it was shut in 1997. Due to lack of proper maintenance, the structure is crumbling. The lawn does not wear a verdant look anymore.
The structure, known for its beauty and grandeur, is situated on Vinoba Road. During his visit, Inamdar had emphasised on preservation and restoration of the structure, which finds place among prominent tourist spots.
Sadly, the slow pace of work has raised concern among conservationists. Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage representative Krishna Vattam said it the structure should be handed over to top private hotel groups to preserve its heritage value.
Especially when Karnataka chief minister S.M. Krishna directed the district authorities here to accord priority to the tourism sector and develop tourist spots, the delay in taking up restoration work is perceived as a setback.
But reasons for delay in taking up restoration work are not clear. Tourism department assistant director Shivalingappa was not available for comment.
But DC Kumar Naik said that things are moving towards restoration of the structure. He, however, said that he had no information on restoration of the hotel at present. Even as efforts are on to give a facelift to Mysore as a hot tourist spot, the delay in taking up development projects, including the restoration project, is affecting its image. Vattam said the government should accord priority towards preservation of heritage structures to lure visitors to the city.