MYSORE: Concerned over the decision of the Mysore City Corporation (MCC) to demolish Devaraja Market, prominent residents of the city met Deputy Commissioner S. Selvakumar on Monday.

They included representatives of the Mysore Grahakara Parishath and the Association of Concerned and Informed Citizens of Mysore. They met the Deputy Commissioner seeking a meeting of all stakeholders of the market before arriving at a final decision on the demolition. Unless discussions on the pros and cons of restoration or reconstruction of the market are held, a fair decision cannot be arrived at, they argued. Heritage architect Ravi Gundu Rao said that restoration of the market may cost around Rs. 1.5 crores and added that services of external experts must be sought, as MCC engineers are not competent to take up restoration work. Parishath president Major General (Retd.) S.G. Vombathkere said: "Nobody knows whether the Devaraja Market will be restored or reconstructed as confusion prevails. The corporation has not made the Torsteel Foundation report public. They should place all records for consideration before taking a decision."

Speaking to The Hindu , Mr. Selvakumar said that the representatives highlighted various aspects associated with the restoration or demolition of the market and demanded a meeting of all stakeholders involved.

He said, "I will have to ascertain facts regarding the market. I am not aware of the decisions taken by the MCC."

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