Mysuru: The Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) has informed the Supreme Court that it has decided at its meeting on July 13, 2026, to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the renovation and conservation of Devaraja Market and Lansdowne Building.

Following this, the Court directed that the MCC’s resolution be placed on record and expressed satisfaction over the Corporation’s decision to conserve the buildings, observing that India’s rich heritage must be preserved to the greatest extent possible.

Speaking to Star of Mysore this morning, MCC Commissioner M.K. Savitha said the Corporation had decided to pursue renovation instead of demolition following the recommendations of the expert committee appointed by the Supreme Court.

“Various committee reports had earlier supported the MCC’s stand, and the High Court had upheld our decision to demolish the buildings. However, after the appellants approached the Supreme Court, the expert committee constituted by the Apex Court concluded that both structures could be renovated,” she said.

The Commissioner said the MCC has now invited Expressions of Interest (EoI) for the renovation works and will await the Supreme Court’s directions when the matter comes up for hearing on Aug. 6.

“We are aware that renovation will significantly increase the project cost. We will place before the Supreme Court a comparative statement of the costs involved in demolition and renovation. Depending on the responses received through the EoI process, we will submit our report to the Court,” she said.

Savitha said the cost of renovation would inevitably lead to a revision in shop rentals.

“At present, many tenants are paying rents ranging from Rs. 500 to Rs. 1,000 a month. These rents were fixed years ago and are no longer viable. After taking a decision in the Council, revised rents will be implemented. Those willing to continue can do so, while others may vacate,” she added.