MYSURU: In a move that could possibly redraw the skyline of Heritage City, Mysuru Urban Development Authority has plans to adopt the vertical model of development.Struggling to get bulk land for development of new layouts to meet the growing demand of site seekers, Muda plans to build upwards.This is expected to give a push to high-rise culture in the heritage rich city as more and more people are showing interest in the proposed project of the urban development body. A total of 46,000 plus residents who participated in the demand survey have given Muda's plan the thumbs up.Mysuru with its heritage structures and old-world charm was initially resistant to the culture of apartments. But with land not easily available, apartments are the solutions for a city that is fast growing.Muda has proposed a G+14 floor-storey apartment in west Mysuru. The response it got, in its month-long survey in May, was overwhelming. It is now pushing for 'group house scheme' that could be Mysuru's tallest skyscraper."Muda's choice of planning high-rise structures outside the core area of heritage-rich Mysuru is a welcome move," says Nikhil Jagadish, director, Sankalp Group. "Land is scarce and we should maximize its usage. We have been promoting vertical growth here for the last two decades. All the 28 high-rise projects by Sankalp have sold out," he claims.Nikhil adds the growing interest in high-rise buildings among Mysureans to the fact that more than 50% of the occupants are locals or have a connection with Mysuru. "The beauty of vertical growth is that it allows more greenery and lung space within the city. Sankalp's Central Park project near Yadavagir is a classic example wherein more than 70% area is open space," he adds.Muda's project may help first-time homebuyers as the urban body can offer houses at competitive prices and because they needn't invest on land, says Nikhil.Muda commissioner M Mahesh admits they don't have bulk land nor have they maintained a land bank to create fresh layouts. With no option left and increase in demand for sites and houses, Muda was compelled to go for high-rise structures and the response has been overwhelming, claims Mahesh. "We're hopeful that the Rs 422-cr project on eight acres in Vijayanagar II Stage right opposite outer ring road will materialise," he stated.Muda chairman D Dhruvakumar too is batting for the project at the government level as their approval is crucial. Mysuru has just over 100 high-rise structures, a majority of them in west Mysuru. The tallest project is the one by Brigade in Nazarbad with 13 floors, confirmed a town planning officer attached to MCC.

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