Neglected legacy: KR Market a prominent hub for trade...& pollution

Sumit Bhattacharya | NT

Bengaluru: Karnataka's rich heritage is epitomized by the historic KR Market, a bustling center of commerce and culture. However, beneath its vibrant legacy lies a pressing issue – the market's alarming levels of pollution and neglect.

As one approaches this iconic market, the stench becomes increasingly unbearable, overshadowing the vibrant trade it hosts. Most transactions unfold on the market's congested footpaths, as the apathy towards cleanliness prevails.

Elderly citizens, expectant mothers, and families with infants navigate these unhygienic conditions daily. In the heart of the market, a dumping ground thrives, with stagnant water teeming with pollutants, flying insects, and mosquitoes.

News Trail embarked on a mission to assess the situation, speaking with Venugopal(Name Changed) a grocery shopkeeper at City Market, who lamented, "We've grown accustomed to this environment. Numerous NGOs and activists have come and gone, but no tangible change has occurred."

He gestured to the surroundings, emphasizing that countless individuals pass through this area, making it impossible to ignore the dire state of affairs. Conversely, Mohammad (Name Changed) voiced, "Only a united protest can bring about change; otherwise, we are powerless."

He drew attention to the alarming practice of people consuming food amidst swarms of flying insects, not only risking their health but also contributing to stomach ailments and infections, given the proximity to filthy water, mud, and animal waste.

A flower vendor within the market lamented the lack of significant hygiene support, citing certain tea stalls that prioritize profit over cleanliness. He pessimistically concluded that dreams of improved hygiene and pollution eradication will remain unfulfilled until a collective voice rises in protest.

In conclusion, while KR Market stands as a testament to Karnataka's heritage, its deterioration due to pollution and negligence is an issue that demands immediate attention.

The market's significance extends beyond trade; it reflects the state's cultural and historical essence. Therefore, a community effort is essential to restore this iconic legacy to its former glory.