Lansdowne, Devaraja Market: MCC must walk the talk now

Sir,

For decades, the question of whether to demolish or reconstruct two important heritage structures, Lansdowne Building and Devaraja Market, in Mysuru has been debated, with each technical assessment advancing arguments to justify its contention.

Both Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) and IIT Roorkee had found that the two heritage structures were prima facie capable of being restored, subject to a detailed scientific assessment and a comprehensive conservation plan.

The manner in which the issue was being tossed about gave the impression that the Government was unable to take a definite stand. It strengthened the general perception that the issue would be resolved only when both structures eventually collapsed over time.

However, following the intervention of the Supreme Court, which delivered its verdict while hearing the Special Leave Petition filed by heritage advocate and author Gouri Satya, R. Raja Chandra, son-in-law of late Maharaja Jayachamaraja Wadiyar and others, the Court directed the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) to protect and restore the two heritage structures (NO DEMOLITION in Star of Mysore dated 9.8.2026).

MCC Commissioner M.K. Savitha told the Supreme Court that steps had been initiated for the conservation of the two heritage structures in accordance with the Court’s May 4, 2026 order.

Restoration is easier said than done, as it requires a major and sustained effort backed by adequate financial resources. Hopefully, the MCC will move with due speed and caution to complete the work in a time-bound manner.

—H.R. Bapu Satyanarayana

Saraswathipuram

9.8.2026