Tamil Nadu - Chennai   

End of the road for Thannithurai market?

P. Oppili

One of the merchants is pushing for the development of a multi-storey complex on the land

An aerial view of Thannithurai Market in Mylapore. — Photo: K.V. Srinivasan

CHENNAI : One of Chennai's oldest vegetable markets, Thannithurai Market on Royapettah High Road, Luz, may soon become a thing of the past.

According to a section of the vegetable shop owners in the old market, one of the merchants wants the others to vacate the shops to pave the way for a multi-storey complex.

R. Hari (62), a merchant, said: "I came here to work with my father when I was eight years old. From my grandfather's days, we are in the business of selling vegetables here. Now, we are asked to vacate. Nearly 250 families are dependent on the market for their livelihood, including merchants, load-men and rickshaw pullers. If the market goes, their families will be badly affected," he said.

Mr. Hari said the eight-and-half-ground market was created in Luz when the Buckingham Canal, which runs nearby, and other waterways were used for transporting goods from various corners of the State. Hence the name `Thannithurai Market'.

The market is over a century old, he said, and added that steps should be taken to protect it.

The market stands on a piece of land owned by 18 people, all of whom have shops in the market. However, one of them wants the land sold to make way for a commercial complex, Mr. Hari said.

Traders are not sure of the identity of the buyer, and the merchant who reportedly wants to push for the sale of the land could not be contacted.

Besides the local residents, people from Neelankarai, Chepauk and Border Thottam come to Thannithurai every day to buy vegetables.

A section of the merchants moved the Madras High Court last year and obtained a stay against demolition or construction of a multi-storeyed building.

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