MYSURU: A disaster may soon strike the Vani Vilas Market which is nearing 100 years if authorities fail to take steps to strengthen it or construct a new structure at the earliest.
It seems authorities have completely forgotten the mishap that occurred several years ago in which the front tower of the entrance of the market collapsed killing two people. The structure is becoming weak and plants growing on the building are adding to the woes.
The front portion of another entrance has also developed several cracks and it needs immediate attention. Built during the rule of the erstwhile Wadiyar kings, the market was considered as a model market several decades ago.
Vani Vilas Market Tenants Association president P Jayaprakash told Express that about 20 to 25 years ago, there was a proposal to demolish the structure and construct a new one by retaining the heritage look, but since the authorities could not provide an alternative place for the traders and vendors, the project never took off.
“There is zero maintenance by the MCC authorities. Even the new building constructed on the market premises developed cracks and the ceiling leaks,” he said. Around 150 traders and vendors do business in the market, risking their lives.
Manju, a vegetable vendor in the market, said authorities could take up renovation works in phases so that traders and vendors are not affected.
Expressing concern over the condition of the market, Devaraja Market Tenants Association president Mahadev said though several pleas were made to the authorities regarding the maintenance of Vani Vilas market, they fell on deaf ears.
When Express asked Mayor Bhyrappa about measures taken to renovate the existing structure or plans to construct a new one, he said officials have been instructed to list out the weak structures in Mysuru which include Vani Vilas Market and the list will be put forth before District Minister H C Mahadevappa who will chair a meeting in this regard on Thursday.
Seepage a worry for Mandi Market traders
Built during the time of Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar in 1927, Mandi Market is much better than the Devaraja Market but still needs maintenance.
Inside the market, the tiles on the floors have not been re-laid and have become slippery. There are several instances when both vendors and customers have a free fall especially when it rains.
The roof of the shops is made of mud tiles and the danger is less. The shops have been built with a thick wall with a gap of 10 feet which has made the construction strong.
The major problem here is water seepage. “We have approached the area corporator several times, but nothing has been done. Daily nearly 900 to 1,200 people visit the market, and the footfalls double during the weekend,” said Mandi Market Association president Prem Kumar.
Rodents are also a major menace and traders say the burrows near the foundation pose a serious threat to the entire structure.