MYSURU IN REAR VIEW: GOOD BAD & WHAT'S NEXT?

Air Commodore K H Suresh AVSM VSM (Retd.) was commissioned in the Flying branch of IAF in Dec 1985. A Helicopter pilot who became Air Commodore in Mar 2012 & retired in the same Rank in Aug 2020. Air Officer has made Mysuru, Karnataka, his home after his retirement

It was an honor for MCIL to have him share his knowledge with our group. Our CMO - Anthony Willi caught up with K H Suresh during their talk and sought out crucial viewpoints for Namma Mysuru's growth and sustainable development.

For the benefit of MCIL readers, here are some extracts from the interview.

What, in your opinion, has played a key part in Mysuru's evolution from the time you first arrived here to the present and why?

There hasn't been much time since I arrived in Mysuru in 2016. Yes, when we talk about any changes, I think of two things. First of all, Mysuru is planning to create high-rise structures with ten, eleven, or more stories. This wasn't a trend prior. And I believe it is advantageous for Mysuru and the future. Second, maintaining the cleanliness of the city is given a lot of significance. The best part is that even regular people are being cautious and helping to achieve this. However, the results are not obvious, which may be related to the tourist influx and the littering that happens.

There has been a lot of uproar over Mysuru surpassing Bengaluru as the top city for real estate...?

It is erroneous, in my opinion, to compare Mysuru to cities like Bangalore, or any other. Because the dynamics between Mysuru and places like Bangalore are different, Mysuru is a heritage city and is completely tourist-oriented, Bengaluru is an industrial and business center. As a result, everything in Mysuru revolves around this factor. It is very probable that Mysuru would surpass Bangalore for two reasons. The weather being the most important aspect and the other is that the area's geography which makes it a home away from home for residents of Bengaluru, Coimbatore, Chennai, Coorg, and other nearby cities, and in my opinion there is nothing wrong with it.

What is the one thing Namma Mysuru is missing, or what do you believe should be the next BIG thing that will put Mysuru on par with Bengaluru?

The sporting facilities in Mysuru, in my opinion, need to be completely upgraded. Golfing in Mysore is now the only sport that is of a high standard. The few additional sporting venues that do exist, however, are of poor quality. For instance, despite the fact that Mysuru and the surrounding area are full of lakes and other bodies of water, not many people there engage in water sports. As a result, it is crucial to upgrade sporting venues with expert instruction, infrastructure, and even exposure to various societal sectors. Both public and private organisations, including the MCIL group, should contribute significantly to finding a solution.???

Mysuru Airport has recently made headlines due to information regarding India's First Under Pass Runway and the impending Cargo Freight Initiative. How important is this to the development of Mysuru, and what other factors, in your opinion, are essential to turning Mysuru into a hub for global connectivity?

Presently the runway length is inadequate for wide bodied/Heavy Aeroplane. Hence, one can say that at present Mysuru has only regional connectivity by air and this is a limitation, in my opinion restricts tourism, especially long distance ones. Hence, increasing the runway length is really crucial for Mysuru. This has innumerable advantages. Just a small example of indirect advantage is reduction in Bengaluru - Mysuru road traffic. Increase in hotel industries at Mysuru and so on. I feel increasing the runway length is more crucial whether it is the under pass runway or any other means. Fortunately, in this case there is a least effect on environment. Along with this, simultaneously better accommodation, transport, professional guides at tourist spot, etc needs to be built up or created. One more very important thing that Mysuru needs to be well equipped is with the Disaster Management. Be it fire/earthquake etc. Because I am not sure, today Mysuru has the wherewith-all to rescue residents from the tenth/eleventh floor of an apartment.

What, in your opinion, are the elements and levels of readiness Mysuru has to keep to stay grounded and avoid becoming another Bengaluru as a result of infrastructure growth?

Mysuru is a heritage city, so I believe one needs to acknowledge and accept that the tourism sector is primarily the main driver of growth. The number of tourists arriving will only increase yearly. Therefore, in my opinion, this issue should be considered when building the infrastructure. Wide roads, sufficient guest houses, etc. must be carefully considered and arranged. While high-rise structures are suitable for residential use. To address your concern about Mysuru becoming another Bengaluru, let me first emphasize the importance of adequate planning on the part of MUDA. (Which has to be addressed on top priority) Second, appropriate coordination between private builders and MUDA is necessary so that everyone is aware of Mysuru's growth & importance. Instead of simply allowing or authorizing the creation of layouts without the necessary facilities in place.

Written & Compiled by Anthony Willi for MOARCon India Pvt Ltd Mysuru.