Abandoned ITI building in Bantwal turns into jungle, locals demand restoration or alternative public use of facility
Bantwal
An Industrial Training and Service Centre built to provide technical education opportunities for rural students in Kadeshivalaya village of Bantwal taluk has now been abandoned and left to decay, turning into a neglected structure surrounded by wild vegetation.
The training centre was established by the Industrial Division of Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat with the aim of helping students gain technical skills. However, the facility was eventually shut down due to a shortage of students, staff and basic infrastructure.
After the closure of the centre, maintenance of the building and its surroundings was reportedly neglected. Despite spending lakhs of rupees on construction and installing training equipment, the facility has remained unused for years, leading to concerns over the wastage of public funds.
Locals said the centre was once active, with several students receiving training and staff members working regularly. Government grants were also available during the initial years. However, as student numbers declined and employees retired without replacements, the flow of funds stopped, eventually resulting in the closure of the institution.
Residents alleged that the abandoned building now resembles a haunted structure. Many training machines were reportedly removed by the department after the centre stopped functioning, while some items went missing due to the lack of security. The building has no proper doors, parts of the roof have collapsed and the walls have deteriorated over time.
The premises have also become covered with bushes, creating a habitat for snakes and other dangerous creatures. A faded signboard remains the only indication that an industrial training centre once operated there.
Local residents have criticised the authorities for failing to utilise the government-built facility for other welfare programmes. They said the building could have been converted for another public purpose instead of allowing it to become a centre for illegal activities and neglect.
The Kadeshivalaya Gram Panchayat had earlier informed the concerned department about clearing or properly utilising the abandoned structure. However, no action has been taken so far, according to local representatives.
Residents have urged the authorities to either renovate and restart the centre or allocate the building for another useful public initiative.
