100-yr-old Mysuru market caves in

Alert Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) employees, including civic body’s Rapid Action Team ‘Abhaya’, saved the life of many, as a portion of the century-old Devaraja Market building collapsed on Sunday evening.

It is said that a crack was noticed by a few MCC employees, who usually visit the place twice a day, averting a major tragedy. A portion of the main building facing Dhanwanthari Road had caved in. According to the authorities, people’s movement was less and the offices housed in the building were closed as it was a Sunday. The structure housed a branch office of MCC and main office of Devaraja Market. As many as 15 people work in the offices housed in the building.

  In 2005, the roof of three shops had caved in. The building was built by the erstwhile Mysuru kings using lime mortar. The MCC has taken up restoration work of the market as per the heritage norms at an estimated cost of Rs 9 crore, said Mayor B L Bhyrappa.

According to authorities, no casualties were reported as the MCC employees, who sensed the danger, prevented the people from entering the market premises.

 DCP H T Shekar told DH that a few employees, who noticed the crack sent people away from the structure. Within a few minutes, the structure collapsed, he said.

 MLA Vasu, who visited the spot, said, the building was in a pathetic state. He blamed the private company, which has taken up restoration works, for failing to assess the status of the building before taking up restoration. The company must be held responsible, he said. Mumbai-based Savani Construction Company has taken up restoration works.

Mayor and MLA Vasu said that the state government would be urged to stop the restoration works of 120-year old Landsdowne building, a British landmark in Mysuru. The same company, Savani Constructions is restoring the building.