Defunct for the last few years, the farmer’s market in Ambattur on Chennai–Tiruvallur High Road is reported to have turned into a den for anti-socials. Residents complain that drunkards could be often found inside the market complex, which is behind the railway station there.
With revival of the market looking like a distant dream, at least in the near future, residents and some of the social activists in the neighbourhood suggest that the complex, which is spread over 10,000-plus sq. ft., could be used to house outlets of many public utilities such as fair price shops, Amma canteen and primary healthcare centre.
At present, 39 PDS (public distribution service) outlets in Ambattur function from rented buildings, most of which look dilapidated.
“At least, as a temporary arrangement, a portion of the space in the complex should be allocated for ration shops,” says S. Gunaseelan, a resident of Ambattur Old Town and a consumer activist.
In the initial years, the market was doing very well. It catered to both local residents and workers from the manufacturing units in and around Ambattur Industrial Estate. Metropolitan Transport Corporation too chipped in by providing buses from villages such as Ayapakkam, Kilkondaiyar, Minjur, Thandarai, Melapedu, Andarkuppam and Chembarambakkam near Poonamallee, to the market.
It lost its patronage mainly because of the change in the timings, from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., many residents complain.
“The change in timings dealt the market a death blow. The market timings clashed with office time for most consumers. Workers have to be in the factory by 9 a.m. and leave only at 5.30 p.m,” said G. Puzhgalvendan, member of trade union in Ambattur.
“We will revive the market by encouraging farmers to set up outlets there,” said an official.
