Newly-built market lying unused for 2 yrs

By Y. Maheswara Reddy | NT

Bengaluru: Have you ever come across a newly-constructed market complex remaining unused for two years even after performing a customary pooja by elected representatives and Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) officials? If not, visit the vegetable market complex situated on MM Road near Pulikeshinagar Police Station.

As usual, the BBMP authorities evacuated around 20 vegetable, fruit, flowers, mutton and fish vendors from the market in 2003 as it was in a dilapidated condition. The BMBP authorities assured its tenants to construct a new market complex at the same location and allowed them to carry out their trade from the nearby footpath. However, the BBMP constructed a high-rise building to accommodate its revenue and other departments.

The BBMP identified a place for the construction of a new market complex and began the process in 2004, but it took more t h a n t w o years to all o c a t e R s 80,00,000 for the new market. All these years, the stalls functioning from the footpath have become not only a nuisance but also a hurdle for the pedestrians.

The BBMP Markets Department continues to collect rent from the vendors for operating their trade from the footpath. “I have paid a rent of Rs 8,700 per year. I am eagerly waiting to relocate my shop at the newlyconstructed market complex. I want the BBMP authorities to allow us to continue our business from the new market complex,” said a vendor on the condition of anonymity.

It may be recalled that all arrangements were made in February 2020 to handover keys of shops at the newly constructed market complex to the vendors. The BBMP dug up a borewell to ensure uninterrupted water supply to the market complex. However , the Palike authorities failed to hand over the keys to the vendors due to the reasons best known to them.

Demanding the BBMP authorities to shift all the vendors operating from the footpath to the new market complex without any delay, Bharathinagar Residents’ Forum president NS Ravi has said that it has become a habit for the BBMP authorities to neglect Bengaluru East.

“I do not know why the BBMP authorities are delaying shifting vendors to the new market. The MM Road will be neat and clean if the shops are shifted to the market complex. I want the BBMP authorities to asphalt the road and develop footpaths on both sides of the road for the benefit of pedestrians. Shifting the shops to the market complex will also reduce congestion on this road,’’ said Ravi.

Meanwhile, BBMP Deputy Commissioner (Markets) Muralidhar K has said that some vendors have approached him seeking opening of the new market complex. “I came to know that the new market complex has been shut for more than two years. I deputed my subordinates for the inspection of the market. They told me that the BBMP Engineering Department is yet to hand over the market to us and water supply and electricity problems are yet to be fixed. I will submit a report on the market to my higher authorities and take measures to open it as early as possible,” said Muralidhar.

Will the pedestrians have the privilege to walk on the footpath of MM Road? They have to wait and watch whether or not the BBMP will honour its commitment.