Mysuru: Devaraja Market Merchants’ Union held a rally here on Wednesday April 20 against the decision of demolishing Devaraja Market and Lansdowne Building by District Administration.
The merchants, who had gathered in large numbers near Dufferin Clock Tower on Sayyaji Rao Road, took out a long rally to Deputy Commissioner’s Office.
They informed that they are holding the protest to protect the heritage structures built by Jayachamaraja Wodeyar.
Speaking after inaugurating the rally, titular King Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wodeyar said that Devaraja Market needs minor repair and according to experts, it will hold good for the next 100 years. We have all grown up watching the heritage structures in the City. For the community to survive, we need the market. The State Government is talking of a new report by a committee but we have no information about it.”
Yaduveer Wodeyar said, “Mysuru Palace is 100-year-old but it does not mean it should be demolished. Heritage structures should be protected at any cost. I totally support the protest against the demolition of heritage structures.”
The protest rally which began at Chikka Gadiyara culminated at the Mysuru Deputy Commissioner’s office. The protesters met the Deputy Commissioner Dr. Bagadi Gautham and submitted a memorandum urging not to demolish the buildings as thousands of traders and their families would be affected. Business activities at Devaraja Market had come to a standstill till 2.00 pm. Devaraja Market Merchants’ Association President Mahadev urged the State Government to take another opinion on the two structures.
