Bangalore’s first supermarket, slowly being pushed to oblivion…
It pains to see the beautiful building in this deplorable state!! Wish it is restored, similar to the Fort High School!
Designed by KH Krumbiegel, inaugurated on September 11, 1935 by the then Prince of Mysore, Kanteerava Narasimharaja Wodeyar, the heritage building constructed at a cost of Rs 2 lakhs first housed The Asiatic Company an insurance company that was shifted from Mysore. Later the 1st Janata Bazar was established in 1966.
Now, it has an Employment exchange, a supermarket, a stationary shop, a Khadi bhandar, MSIL liquor outlet and a Nandini milk parlour. The employees lament lack of upkeep and nuisance of unruly elements later at night; the compound is strewn with empty liquor bottles, plastic and various kinds of waste. Some are happy that the demolition is stayed by the HC; but are worried, faced with an uncertain future.
INTACH’s writ in 2018 had saved the building, but it requires repairs and Govt’s interest to maintain.
Our Heritage is the treasure we must cherish and these heritage structures are vestiges of a glorious thought executed with love. Where else can we find such fine architecture, that is both beautiful and functional!!
Wise | OtherWise 