Restoration of Mangaluru’s British-Era Old DC Office Gains Momentum with ₹2 Crore Grant.

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Mangaluru : The historic Old Deputy Commissioner’s office near State Bank in Mangaluru, which had been lying in a state of neglect for several years, is finally undergoing a major restoration. Built during the British era, this heritage structure is being refurbished with an initial grant of ₹2 crore. Workers have already replaced damaged wooden rafters and beams, and a significant portion of the roofing work is complete. The restoration, overseen by the Dakshina Kannada District Nirmithi Kendra, aims to preserve the building’s classic architectural style while giving it a much-needed facelift.

While the primary focus over the last six months has been to stabilize the crumbling structure and prevent further decay, much remains to be done in the interior. The first floor, featuring a sturdy wooden deck, remains in good condition, but the rear portion of the building was severely damaged and had to be cleared. Currently, carpenters are meticulously repairing old window frames, railings, and cupboards, while masonry work is underway to fix holes and eroded sections of the walls. Future plans include transforming the space into an art gallery, museum, or exhibition center, depending on the availability of an additional ₹20 crore grant requested from the government.

The project faces some environmental challenges, as the vacant space in front is currently used for public parking, and municipal waste collection vehicles often transfer garbage on the main road nearby. This has led to foul odors and wastewater leakage, causing inconvenience to the public and affecting the surroundings of the heritage site. Meanwhile, there are ongoing discussions regarding the maintenance of the previous DC office building used before the shift to Padil; suggestions have been made to utilize such historic spaces for the High Court Bench or other government departments to ensure they do not fall into ruin.