Restoration of Century-Old British-Era DC Office Starts in Mangaluru

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Mangaluru : The Revenue Department has commenced restoration work on the centuries-old Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner’s office, a dilapidated British-era structure, to preserve it as a heritage landmark. The government aims to retain the building’s original architectural charm while repurposing it for future use as an art gallery, museum, and exhibition space. To facilitate this, the Revenue Department has sanctioned an initial amount of ₹2 crore, and the repair work is currently underway under the supervision of the Dakshina Kannada District Nirmiti Kendra.

The restoration process, which has been active for the past one and a half months, initially focused on removing the roof tiles and replacing decayed wooden rafters. While the first floor’s wooden flooring remains sturdy, the rear portion of the building suffered significant damage due to decades of neglect, with rainwater causing deterioration of the walls and pillars. Skilled carpenters are now working to repair damaged window frames, railings, and cupboards. The project follows a comprehensive ₹17 crore development plan prepared by INTACH Bengaluru, which was initiated after former DC Mullai Muhilan took interest in cleaning and mapping the heritage structure in 2024.

The project will proceed in phases, with the immediate goal of completing the roofing and constructing toilets before the monsoon season to prevent further water damage. Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda has shown personal interest in the project, deciding that the building should remain a government asset rather than being leased to private entities. Rajendra Kalbavi, Director of the Nirmiti Kendra, stated that they are committed to maintaining the original style by reusing old tiles with chemical coating and replacing only the unusable wooden beams. Once fully restored, the complex will also include improvements to the archives and the World War memorial.