Builders' body for local touch in projects

The fifth MyBuild-2005, the mega event of Mysore chapter's Builders' Association of India (BIA), held recently at Nanjaraja Bahadhur Choultry saw speakers calling on those setting shops in this tier-2 city to keep their plans in tune with Mysore's rich heritage and culture, dedicatedly built over three centuries by the Mysore Maharajas.

State Bank of India general manager Mahapara Ali said, "Mysore has an ethos and culture of its own. It has become the target city for every one now. Hope it will not become as chaotic as Bangalore, but the charm and greenery preserved over the centuries here will be kept in mind."

"Mysore cannot be out of the boom. We, the banks are seeing this boom from the loans we are releasing. Most of the loans are being taken for building activity. While putting up structures, either residential or commercial, builders should retain the unique character of Mysore," she said.

Assuring SBI's support to developers, she said, "We have the best of banking at your door-step."

We are with you all the way with a national network of 5,400 branches and ATMs."

Earlier, inaugurating the five-day exhibition of building materials and accessories, Karnataka Media Academy chairman V N Subba Rao gave a similar call to engineers and builders in Mysore.

Pointing out that the demand for civil engineers and even diploma holders is growing again, he said, "engineers can build houses. It is their responsibility also to convert them into homes."

"IT and BPO firms have unleashed new money, making a tremendous impact on the life and living standards of the people, more so in IT centres like Bangalore. It is becoming difficult to build homes," he lamented.

As part of the exhibition, the BAI is holding a two-day national seminar on water retaining structures on December 10 and 11. Organising committee chairman T N Hemanth said vagaries in weather like drought and floods has called for greater attention to scientific management of water.

A vital component of this is water retaining structures with attention towards repair, rehabilitation and maintenance of structures and water tanks. More than 350 delegates are expected to attend the seminar.