Traders at Russell Market in Shivajinagar are up in arms against the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) for preventing parking of vehicles outside the market, on the grounds that it will have an adverse effect on their business. They have threatened to stage a protest against this.
ADVERTISEMENT
The BBMP, which launched a drive on Saturday, cleared illegal encroachments within and outside the market as per the directions of the High Court of Karnataka. Bengaluru Traffic Police personnel have been monitoring the area and towing any vehicle parked at the space cleared by the BBMP. “We are directing motorists to the parking spaces near the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) bus station and Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital nearby,” a senior official said.
On Sunday, the market, which is usually bustling with activity, was deserted as many shops had downed shutters. “My shop has been shut for two days. This is a loss as the Ramzan starts on Tuesday. Usually, people from across the city visit the market to shop for the season,” said Mohommed Ibrahim, a trader.
Mohammed Idrees Choudhury, general secretary of the Russell Market Traders’ Association, expressed a similar sentiment: “If business fails further, the market will have to be shut down. We will have no other option but to protest.”
ADVERTISEMENT
The lack of adequate parking in the congested area has not gone down well with shoppers either. Syed Mazhar, who has been a shopper at the market for over 40 years, pointed out that senior citizens, such as himself, would be inconvenienced as they would have to park their vehicles at a distance.
BBMP’s Joint Commissioner (East zone) M.G. Ravindra said the issues would be raised in the council. BBMP sources also pointed out the market redevelopment was on the cards under the Smart City project. This will include providing ample parking space and improving the amenities within the market, they said.