There may be some respite for Russell Market traders who have been denied power supply ever since fire gutted 175 shops eight months ago.
The traders met Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar in Bangalore on Sunday morning and apprised him of their work conditions.
Gen-sets
They said that the traders’ association spends nearly Rs. 10,000 a day to run the diesel gen-sets and informed him that they have been running from pillar to post to get back power supply to no avail.
Charge
Mohammed Idrees Choudhury, general secretary, Russell Market Fruits and Vegetable Traders’ Association, alleged that the local elected representative was trying to scuttle their efforts in getting supply restored.
Assurance
“Mr. Shettar was surprised to know that the power supply had not yet been restored. He has assured the association of directing the authorities concerned to restore it soon,” Mr. Choudhury said.
Petition
Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) Commissioner Rajneesh Goel told The Hindu that the traders had been directed to submit a petition to the civic body.
“Once they submit the petition, the Chief Minister has assured them of getting the power supply restored,” he said.
BBMP to decide
He also said that in his opinion, the city’s landmark should be preserved.
However, the BBMP council will take a call on it, he said.
Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Managing Director P. Manivannan was present at the meeting.
