Heir Of Brindavan Gardens’ German Curator Disapproves Of CM Kumaraswamy’s Plan To Turn Iconic Gardens Into Disneyland

Less than a month after Karnataka Chief Minister (CM) H D Kumaraswamy’s budgetary announcement of revamping the famed Krishna Raja Sagar dam on the lines of Disney land, the great-granddaughter of the German horticulturalist who designed the Brindavan gardens has expressed her disappointment and disapproval of the same.

As reported by Star of Mysore, Alyia Phelps Gardiner Krumbiegel, great-granddaughter of German horticulturist Gustav Hermann Krumbiegel, designer of the iconic Brindavan Gardens at the Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS) Dam, has taken serious exception to the state government’s plan.

Kumaraswamy backed by cabinet ministers Sa Ra Mahesh and D K Shivakumar wanted to transform India’s first irrigation dam and the enthralling gardens into Disneyland saying the ‘garden had lost its charm in the recent years’.

Allocating Rs 5 crore for the preparation of the project report, the CM announced that it would be taken up on a public-private partnership model. But these plans to re-develop one of the most popular destinations in Karnataka haven’t gone down well with the people associated with the original creator of the beautiful gardens.

Krumbiegel, in an open letter to the CM, has asked him to drop the plans and sought that the gardens be treated as per guidelines issued by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS).

Here is the open letter as produced by Star of Mysore:

Dear Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy,

I read today with dismay that the iconic Brindavan Gardens is to be redeveloped on the lines of Disneyland USA.

The dream project of the Mysore’s teenaged King, Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar was to construct a dam across the Cauvery for human benefit and he appointed Sir M. Visvesvaraya as the chief engineer. The Brindavan Gardens, located just a level below the dam, earlier was called Krishnaraja Terrace Gardens.

The Inspiration came from the Mughal Garden of Kashmir — The Shalimar Gardens. This achievement goes to the then Dewan of Mysore, Sir Mirza Ismail and my Great Grandfather G.H. Krumbiegel, Superintendent of Parks and Gardens of Mysore the man behind Bangalore’s Lalbagh and largely credited for the title of The Architect of The Garden City.

They completed this 60-acre garden in a period of 5 years (1927-1932). Isn’t this short synopsis of the history wonderful? And can Disney compete with it? May be it will in the short term!

The Tourism Minister will want international tourists to come to experience the HISTORICAL vibrant city of Mysore during the most famous Dasara festival of Karnataka started in 1610 by Raja Wadiyar in honour of Goddess Chamundeshwari.

Most international tourists are hoping to experience such heritage, why travel halfway around the world to see a theme park just like those back home?

India is a land replete with cultural, historical and religious artefacts, which draw a sense of wonder for the visitors and certainly makes every Indian feel proud of this valuable possession. The Brindavan Gardens is of International value and must be treated following the ICOMOS guidelines.

It is also about the very spirit of the place that just has to be preserved; the so called “genius loci” Disneyland would put the whole idea, the concept of a representative garden, “ad absurdum” – a total neglect of history.

I would be only too willing to meet you to discuss alternative restoration for this most iconic landmark.

Regards,

Alyia Phelps Gardiner Krumbiegel, London