Mysuru: Six years after the 126-year-old heritage building housing the District Fire Office at Saraswathipuram collapsed, the state govt has decided to demolish and rebuild the heritage structure.Responding to a query from Chamaraja MLA K Harishgowda on the govt’s plans to restore the partially collapsed portion of the fire office, home Minister G Parameshwara said the Public Works Department has come up with an estimate of Rs 30 crore for the construction of a new fire station with eight bays and 30 residential quarters. This project that aims to enhance the fire safety infrastructure will be taken up in a phased manner based on availability of funds, the minister said. Constructed in 1898, Saraswathipuram Fire Station began its operations in 1942 and has since been an essential service provider to the city. The heritage structure also offices of the chief fire officer, regional fire officer, district fire officer, and fire station officers. The premises include 64 residential quarters, accommodating personnel who can attend to any emergency around the clock. A portion of the entrance arch of the Saraswathipuram Fire Station had collapsed due to heavy rain in August 2019. Given the building’s dilapidated state, a special heritage committee meeting was convened in November 2019, under the chairmanship of the deputy commissioner to chalk out a renovation plan. Thereafter, the fire department issued a proposal for the building’s reconstruction. Regional fire officer Chandan P told TOI construction would be taken up soon. As it is a heritage structure, the department would consult heritage experts while restoring the century-old building. The entrance arch would be restored to its original shape, the officer added.
