Devaraja market collapse : Experts collect samples of construction materials

The Task Force on Quality Assurance in Public Works inspected Devaraja Market, a portion of which had caved in in August, and collected samples here on Friday.

The team, led by Chairman B R Srinivasamurthy, visited the market and collected samples of the construction materials from debris of the building, which was constructed a century ago. The team members, including C N Babu and L Basavaraju, collected the samples to study whether the building can be renovated or need to be rebuilt.

It can be recalled that a portion of the main building of the market, facing Dhanvantri Road had caved in on August 29.

Also the restoration works on the 120-year-old Lansdowne Building, another landmark in Mysuru, was also stopped. The expert team also visited the Lansdowne Building.

Mayor B L Bhyrappa said, “The team members have assured to submit a report to the government and to the Mysuru City Corporation before September 29. Based on the report, further decision will be taken on the works on the Devaraja Market.”

When the team, along with the civic body authorities, arrived at the market, vendors rushed to the site and urged the authorities to open the entrance to the market from Dhanvantri Road side. The entrance is blocked after a portion of the building collapsed.

Mysuru City Corporation Commissioner G Jagadeesh, Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering principal, also an expert in civil engineering, Syed Shakeeb Ur Rahman were present.