Mysoreans choose new malls to old markets

Two of the old marketplaces- Vani Vilas Market and Mandi Market- are proposed to be demolished and new markets built in their places. Is it OK to demolish the old markets?

• Yes, the proposal is good. New buildings should be constructed with all modern amenities. It is risky to retain the old structures. Shop owners should be provided alternative places. Before that, I suggest the project may be included under the JNNURM scheme to avoid financial burden on the MCC and secondly, the proposed work should start after the forthcoming Dasara festivities as it might affect tourists.-Syed Abdulla Munawar -Udayagiri

• It is a welcome step. The present buildings should be demolished and rebuilt with all modern amenities like parking space.-R T Brown -N R Mohalla

• Vani Vilas and Mandi Markets must have been demolished long ago. New shopping malls must have all amenities. It is better the market buildings are razed at the earliest as they are unsafe and unsteady. At least now, the planners must make accurate plans, giving no room for congestion and further expansion. The Devaraja market too is sufficiently old and badly in need of a facelift.-D Prasad-Kuvempunagar

• This is not the first time the issue is being raised. Earlier on few occasions they had proposed such ideas but nothing happened. We only hope the new mayor Sandesh Swamy takes the initiative and starts the work.-Sudhakara-Yadavagiri

• If they want to demolish Devaraja and Vani Vilas markets the work should be taken up in a phased manner. It's not a good idea to demolish the whole market at once and begin the work later. Once the work is undertaken it should be completed within the stipulated time.-Jayaram-Vendor

• Before taking up the work, the authorities should keep everything in black and white about the proposed construction. They should also take tenants into confidence and provide them alternative places before commencing the work.-Girish-Vendor

• Over 800 shops are located in Devaraja Market and thousands of people are dependent on business. If the authorities throw them on streets all of a sudden, hundreds of families will be left in the lurch. We welcome the decision but before that authorities should keep everything in writing. Also, the work must be taken up in a phased manner.-Mahadev S-President, Devaraja Market Tenants Association

• We are already in trouble without proper business and if we are thrown out what will be our plight? Though the proposal is good, the work must be carried out in stages to facilitate vendors and shopkeepers, who are dependent on business for a living.-Syed Saleem-Shopkeeper

• There are 20 separate sections at Devaraja Market and authorities may plan the renovation/reconstruction of market section-wise at regular intervals. This will not affect vendors or the public.-Manjunath-Coconut vendor

• It is a welcome move but authorities must carry out works at a fast pace. This apart, they must provide facilities to vendors within the market area. The authorities must complete the project work within the stipulated period so that none is affected.-Mahadev Rao-Shopkeeper