BM Trippin' Tales: Srirangapatna set for major revamp under new master plan

Time of India

13-05-2025

Kirangur Gram Panchayats
I have instructed the preparation of a master plan that ensures the River Cauvery and heritage monuments are preserved ­
–AB Ramesh Bandisiddegowda, MLA
Ramesh Bandisiddegowda
Srirangapatna, the historic town renowned for its forts and monuments, is all set for a transformation as the local municipal council moves ahead with a comprehensive master plan to develop both its urban and rural surroundings. The initiative, called the 'Srirangapatna Master Plan,' is currently in its final stages of preparation.To preserve the town's natural and historical character, the plan proposes a 50-meter buffer zone along the River Cauvery and restricts development within 300 meters of protected monuments. Officials say this measure is intended to protect the river ecosystem and safeguard the area's cultural heritage from encroachment or damage due to unregulated development.As part of the expansion strategy, residential zones are being planned along the old Wellesley Bridge Road and the Bengaluru–Mysuru Highway, stretching up to Bannimantap in Kirangur. The goal is to guide future growth and prevent unchecked commercial or industrial activity near residential neighbourhoods. Road width regulations have also been outlined: 9 meters for residential areas, 12 to 18 meters for commercial zones, and 18 to 24 meters for industrial corridors.With the help of digital mapping, the town's jurisdiction has been revised from 8.67 sq. km to 10.93 sq. km. Despite being an island town housing 24 state- and centrally-protected monuments, Srirangapatna has seen only limited growth. As per the 2011 Census, the population was 25,061. Fourteen years later, that figure has grown by just 2%, reaching approximately 28,000.Encroachments and unauthorized land conversions have been a growing concern, especially in areas under the Srirangapatna Town limits, Ganjam, and. Many of these residential pockets lack basic amenities due to haphazard development. Authorities believe that the new master plan will help address these gaps and bring about more organized urban expansion.MLA ABsaid, 'I have instructed the preparation of a master plan that ensures the River Cauvery and heritage monuments are preserved. Once implemented, residents will receive basic amenities like drinking water and electricity without additional development charges. The town will also be beautified.'However, ML Dinesh, president-in-charge of the municipal council, raised concerns about the process. 'It is ineffective if the planning firm merely prepares the master plan from Bengaluru using Google Maps. They must visit the site, conduct physical surveys, consult with the public, and design a plan that considers both benefits and challenges,' he said.