By Dr. H.S. Sadath Ali Khan, Former Professor, Agriculture Marketing, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad

A million dollar question being faced by many intellectuals, politicians, bureaucrats and heritage experts of Mysuru city is whether to demolish or not to demolish Devaraja Market and Lansdowne Buildings, the two most prominent heritage structures located in the heart of the city. Now, it is high time that the Government of Karnataka and Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) take a prompt decision to deal with these buildings.

The shopkeepers should get their legitimate deal to run their businesses and MCC should get proper rentals from them. By delaying the issue, MCC will be losing huge revenue, which it should have got it by now. Meanwhile, the newly-elected Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar has in his very first interaction with the media, published in Star of Mysore dated June 13, 2024, expressed his opinion to retain both the heritage buildings, stating that “Devaraja Market, Lansdowne Building – Demolition not a solution and rather efforts must be made to conserve them as Mysuru is a heritage city.”

It is true that Mysuru is a heritage city and people like to visit our city known as the ‘City of Palaces’ and ‘Garden City’ from all over the world. In case of Devaraja Market and Lansdowne building, many heritage and architectural experts, engineers and intellectuals over the past years have given their suggestions with respect to demolition, reconstruction and restoration of these two century-old structures. But the big question that arises now is: How good is it to repair and restore the almost old buildings, which have already lost their strength, consistency and vigour?

The buildings are in a dilapidated condition with damaged roofs and falling and plaster of ceiling flaking out. In this condition, any new technology to restore the buildings by taking up plastering work, filling up the cracks and painting may last for about five to 10 years, and then what? Take up the restoration works again, burning crores of tax-payers’ money!

Being a senior citizen and a Mysurean, I would like to suggest that both the buildings should be demolished and reconstructed with modern facilities including two-wheeler and four-wheeler parking to avoid the congestion which is a problem being faced currently. At present, vehicles are seen parked haphazardly in front of Devaraja Market Road causing discomfort for the movement of other vehicles. This can be avoided by adding 1st and 2nd floors to accommodate more number of shops and giving opportunities to new shop-owners who in turn will provide job opportunities to people. This will also enable Mysuru City Corporation to generate more revenue.

Secondly, let us focus on the Lansdowne building, located opposite Mysore Palace and City Bus Stand. The Road behind Lansdowne building has literally turned into a public toilet, which has been the issue over the past few years and is nauseating. This issue can be addressed if the Mysuru City Corporation and State Government decide to demolish it and build a new one.

Our city is home for many reputed engineers, architects, heritage experts and intellectuals to guide the State Government and Mysuru City Corporation to retain the heritage design to the ‘new buildings’ if the authorities decide to reconstruct them.

Moreover, if any sensible and responsible person inspects the present condition of Lansdowne building, that person will definitely recommend for ‘demolition’ as it is beyond restoration or taking up repair works. It is also suggested to take expert views from the School of Planning and Architecture in Mysuru concerning the present condition of Devaraja Market and Lansdowne building.

Further, it is also recommended that MCC organises seminars and seeks public opinion with respect to future of these two heritage structures.

NOTE: Star of Mysore has covered these two buildings many times over two decades now. There is indeed vested interest groups obsessed with the idea of saving “heritage buildings.” — Ed