Damage to Gustav Krumbiegel's Grave at Hosur Road Cemetery Sparks Restoration Calls

The damaged headstone of renowned landscape architect and horticulturist Gustav Hermann Krumbiegel at the Hosur Road cemetery in Bengaluru has sparked calls for urgent inspection and restoration, leaving his family deeply distressed.

Krumbiegel, whose work significantly shaped Bengaluru's gardens and landscapes, is buried at Gate 1, Plot 6, Row 7, Grave 6 in the cemetery. His extensive contributions to Lalbagh Botanical Garden and the city's horticultural heritage remain a vital chapter in Bengaluru's history.

His great-granddaughter, Alyia Krumbiegel, expressed deep sadness over the incident, noting that the damage was personal for the family. She said she was informed that a falling tree branch caused the headstone to break.

"As his great-granddaughter, this is not simply a damaged headstone to me. It is the final resting place of a man who devoted so much of his life to India and particularly, to the gardens, trees and landscape of Bengaluru," she said, adding that seeing the headstone broken was distressing and that a grave represents a place of remembrance, dignity, and respect.

Following the incident, several citizens reached out to the family with offers to assist in restoring the damaged grave. Lalbagh officials are also expected to visit the cemetery to assess the extent of the damage.

Meanwhile, heritage advocacy organisation 'Heritage Beku' has written to the Bengaluru City Police and the Horticulture department, urging authorities to conduct a joint inspection and initiate swift restoration measures.