Sir,

This has reference to ‘Devaraja Market Demolition: Court gives clearance’ (SOM dated Jan.13). The Court has cleared the way and has given the green signal to Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) to demolish and rebuild similar ‘heritage’ Devaraja Market and Lansdowne Building. This significant and long-pending decision should be welcomed.

There were ‘for’ and ‘against’ views from the readers. I had argued for new structures and therefore feel happy and vindicated. Tinkering with these ‘heritage’ buildings would have been like ‘flogging the dead horse.’ The heritage essence was long lost and destroyed because of the neglect and shabby maintenance of these buildings. These crumbling and dilapidated buildings were dangerous and at some point would have taken away many more precious lives.

It will be some hard work and herculean task now for the MCC. Putting in place a ‘temporary market(s)’ is not going to be easy. Yet, the MCC should pull up its socks and do some meticulous planning and execution of the project so that the businesses do not suffer. The re-building works should be ‘entrusted’ to a reputable builder who should do a first rate job and the new buildings should be built strictly in a stipulated time. The finished product should be grand and an asset to the future generations.

Traffic has increased by leaps and bounds in the Central Business District and there’s an acute parking problem. In the future, it’s going to be even worse. So, now is a chance to build the new structures with provision for parking, wash-rooms and restaurants in the basement. It would be great if worthwhile inputs and suggestions from the public are considered. It would also be a good idea for people in-charge of reconstructing these buildings to study the great markets around the world which are historical, sites of architectural significance and must see places for the tourists.

The ugly and dangerous subway structure with sharp edges, opposite Bata Showroom, should also be demolished and a new entrance to the underpass be built to gel with the heritage aura when the buildings are completed. Also, the planners should take care that the ‘open urinals facility’ behind the Lansdowne Building is shut permanently.

Devaraja Market at present is messy, unkempt with any number of illegal squatters doing business, in connivance with the corrupt Corporation staff. There should be strict regulation and only licensed shop-keepers be allowed to operate in the market. Right now, the public has to jostle around in several spots and the unruly traders care a tuppence.

And finally, with brand new buildings and good facilities, smelling fresh paint, the shop-keepers should not feel bad and hesitate to pay revised taxes to the Corporation —for the new iconic buildings would be safe and last for the next 100 years!

– Mubasher Mirza, Bannimantap ‘C’ Layout, 14.1.2020

You can also mail us your views, opinions, and stories to [email protected]