Mysuru's Historic Attara Kacheri Building Set for Major Tourism Transformation
The Mysuru district administration, in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, has initiated an ambitious project to revitalize the historic Old DC Office building, widely known as Attara Kacheri. This significant heritage structure, which has stood for 130 years since its construction during the reign of Mysuru Maharaja Chamaraja Wadiyar, is poised to receive a comprehensive facelift following years of neglect after government offices relocated to Siddhartha Nagar three years ago.
Budget Announcement and Strategic Vision
Announced as part of the 2025 budget, this project represents a major commitment to preserving Mysuru's architectural legacy while boosting tourism. The tourism department has formulated plans to transform the building into a museum and prominent tourism destination under the Swadesh Darshan scheme, aligning with the state government's broader initiative to repurpose heritage structures into cultural showcases.
Central Location and Museum Plans
Strategically situated in Mysuru's central business district, the Old DC Office building offers an ideal location for attracting visitors. The tourism department envisions creating a museum that will display 369 rare artefacts currently housed in the treasury of the Department of Archaeology, Heritage and Museum. This collection includes:
- Historical inscriptions on copper plates
- Ancient coins from various periods
- Other significant archaeological finds
Beyond archaeological treasures, the museum will also feature exhibitions of khadi handloom products and other famous Mysuru specialties, creating a comprehensive cultural experience designed to draw tourists from around the world.
Heritage Conservation Requirements
Given Attara Kacheri's status as a protected heritage building, the project requires meticulous planning. A detailed project report must be prepared by experts in heritage structure conservation before any work can proceed. The state government will issue a formal work order specifically for creating this comprehensive DPR.
Deputy Commissioner Lakshmikanth Reddy, who also serves as head of the District Tourism Development Committee, explained the procedural roadmap: "Once the tourism department submits the detailed project report to the district administration, our committee will forward it to the state government seeking both administrative and financial approval. Following these approvals, we will float tenders for the facelift work and museum conversion."
Project Timeline and Current Progress
Assistant Director of Tourism Prabhuswamy confirmed that preliminary measures are already underway. "We have initiated the process to prepare the detailed project report and have issued the necessary work order. The DPR for converting the Old DC Office building into a museum and art gallery should be completed within the next three months," he stated.
Urgent Need for Restoration
The pressing requirement for this restoration project has been emphasized by heritage experts. NS Rangaraju, a respected Mysuru historian and former member of the District Heritage Committee, highlighted the building's current condition: "The Old DC Office building has suffered from inadequate maintenance in recent years. There is an urgent need to give it a proper facelift while carefully preserving its heritage value and architectural integrity."
This comprehensive revitalization project represents a significant investment in Mysuru's cultural infrastructure, aiming to transform a neglected historic landmark into a vibrant center for tourism, education, and cultural preservation that honors the region's rich history while serving future generations.
