BBMP apathy has turned KR Market into a dungeon
Synopsis
KR Market was a gift to the city by the Mysuru Maharaja. However, now the market even lacks a lift, which rots in its shaft. Traders accuse BBMP officials of willfully neglecting the market for a mafia.
KR Market, which had earned fame for being Asia's first spot to get electricity, should have been a jewel for the BBMP. But it's lack of commitment to save the market which was a gift by the Mysuru Maharaja is a shocking reality.
The Market, which was established in 1928, was revamped in 1998 and two floors were added and connected with a lift. Sadly, from day one, the lift did not work as the BBMP could supply power.
"It is sad to note that the Market, which was the first place to get electricity, has no power in the lift section. The electrical department has not come for inspection. In the initial stages after the renovation of the market, the officials used to even take lift maintenance charges. We protested against this corruption, and then the amount was stopped," said Asif, Member, KR Market Traders Association.
GN Diwakar, President, KR Market Traders Association said, in the past several representations were given to officials. But nothing has worked. People suspect that the market is developed, then the business outside the market will collapse.
"If the lift is set right, many traders will start using the shops built by the BBMP and people will stop going to the hawkers who operate outside the market. Officials and public representatives want these hawkers to do business on the road so that they can get hafta," he opined.
K Mathai, former Deputy Commissioner for the BBMP Markets said, the market division needs to be revamped as the revenue was getting lost due to the mafia.
"When I tried to set things rights in BBMP market division, I was transferred," he said.
Anand, Executive Engineer, Electrical Division, BBMP said a new contractor had been identified to check the lift condition, and once he gave a fitness certificate, the lift will become operational.
"All these years, the area was not touched, and this place had become a dungeon," he said.