'Spruce up Villivakkam market'

There is reason for local residents to feel proud about the Villivakkam market. It is one of the oldest markets in north Madras and has been a hub for the sale of vegetables and fruits at wholesale rates, since British times. Since my childhood, I have been visiting the market especially on Sundays. As a boy, my father used to take me to the market where I would watch farmers unloading fresh vegetables and fruits

However, the market has been managed for years by a handful of traders with no support from the civic body.

The facility lacks basic facilities including water taps and toilets for traders and a parking facility for visitors. It is also plagued by poor disposal of wastes.

I am saddened to see stray dogs and cattle preying on the garbage.

Women and children are scared to use the stretch due to fear of stray dogs.

The existing storm water drain channel has been blocked by the dumping wastes from the market. In fact, for a few hundred metres, the channel has been ‘levelled’ with the garbage to provide space for parking.

Speedy remedial measures have to be taken.

(Venugopal is an advocate at the Madras High Court and a human rights activist. He commutes by the suburban train between his home and High Court )