MYSORE: The deadlock between traders operating from Devaraja Market and the Mysore City Corporation over the future of the heritage structure continues even as another round of meeting held on Wednesday evening failed to evolve a consensus on the issue.

Corporation Commissioner A.B. Ibrahim set an ultimatum of five days for the traders to decide on the future of the market.

Representatives of Devaraja Market Traders' Association, who participated in the meeting, reiterated their stand against the demolition of the structure and suggested that it could still be restored. Association president Mahadevu said a decision about the future of the market can be taken only after consulting prominent citizens, experts and people's representatives.

He urged the corporation to convene a meeting with the Heritage Commissioner, councillors, MLAs, MPs, representatives of the traders' association and Mysore Grahakara Parishat, besides seeking the opinion of the building experts. "Unless the issue is discussed comprehensively, a decision cannot be arrived at," Mr. Mahadevu said.

He said they had hired the services of a Mysore-based architect to study the market structure and give a report on the future of the market.

Former Mayor Narayan, who participated in the meeting, told The Hindu that the councillors suggested the demolition of the structure. The corporation will construct a new market keeping in view the heritage architecture of the city. Traders will be convinced to agree with the corporation plans, he added.

Warning

Meanwhile, the corporation has put up a board at the entrance of Devaraja Market warning the public against entering the dilapidated structure.

The board states that the structure has become weak owing to rainfall, and it can collapse anytime. People who enter the market will do so at their own peril, the board warns.

Further, the warning states that the roofs of the shops are in a dilapidated condition and can collapse any time. The traders are not cooperating with the corporation to restore the weak structure, it states.

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