Is there a design behind the fire that destroyed a portion of the historic Devaraja Market here in the early hours of Saturday? Is there a lobby working against its conservation so that the building can be razed to pave the way for a mall?
These are questions tormenting heritage and social activists in the city as Devaraja Market, which is over 125 years old, is spread over an area of 12,867 sq. m and its plinth area is 10,542 sq. m, which is prime property in the heart of the city.
Though the fire, which destroyed a portion of the historic market, has been attributed to “short circuit”, N. Rangaraju of the Department of Ancient History and Archaeology, University of Mysore, and member of Mysore Heritage Commitee, perceives a pattern in recent developments that does not augur well for the conservation of heritage buildings.
Mr. Rangaraju told The Hindu that an unmarked heritage structure in the city was allowed to be demolished recently by the authorities; and permission was accorded for the demolition of writer R.K. Narayan's and industrialist F.K. Irani's residences, though the demolitions were stalled in the last minute. “Neither the Mysore City Corporation (MCC) nor the Government is taking any interest in expediting conservation efforts.
There are more people keen to get old mansions and heritage structures demolished, rather than preserving them,” Mr. Rangaraju said.
There is a strong lobby, even among a section of elected councillors, that is for the demolition of Devaraja Market.
The Mysore City Corporation (MCC) invited fresh designs from architects in November 2005 for the construction of a new structure on “heritage lines”, as it had reasoned that the existing building was in a dilapidated condition. But the building and its existing façade was saved by the MCC's inertia, and the plans to demolish it were shelved.
Plenty of ‘inspections'
There have been countless “spot visits” and “site inspections” by experts, even as the MCC itself came out with a detailed blueprint in November 2010 to design and develop Devaraja Market along with Vani Vilas Market and Mandi Market at an estimated cost of Rs. 40 crore.
There were two plans for Devaraja Market, one of which entailed retaining the existing façade and constructing a new complex within it for Rs. 12.61 crore, while the second option was to create basement parking, add additional floors and preserve the original façade for Rs. 27.04 crore.
But nothing transpired, and the second plan was shelved at the instance of the traffic police, who pointed out that creating additional parking facilities would only add to traffic congestion in the area around the market.
A committee of experts from Torsteel Foundation, Bangalore, conducted a structural study of the building in 2005 and submitted a report for follow-up action with conservation architects, but the report is gathering dust.
The MCC recently took a team of French architects with expertise in conservation around the market, but there has been little progress.
There are nearly 725 shops in the market, and the MCC gets an annual rent of Rs. 41.71 lakh, but more importantly, Devaraja Market signifies the Mysore of a bygone era, as traders deal with traditional items including condiments, flowers, vegetables and fruits.
However, despite repeated assurances from the authorities that there will be conservation of the structure and high-profile guided tours of visiting international conservationists, Devaraja Market has continued to be in a state of neglect.
