The Statesman 14.06.2013
KMC to construct market complexes in 8 markets
The new market complexes will come up at Park Circus market, Jadavgarh Bazar, VIP Kankurgachi Market, Ultadanga Bazar, Bakultola Market and S N Roy Market in Behala. The existing structures which are in a bad shape would be pulled down to make room for the new ones.
The KMC's market department will prepare a detailed project report after taking into confidence local shop owners of the markets. Multi-storied buildings will come up in the markets. It may be recalled that KMC's projects to pull down the existing markets to make room for new ones has not gone well so far. The construction at College Street and Sarat Bose markets which began nearly a decade ago is yet to be completed; Lake market could not be opened after hawkers blocked its entrance.
A beautification drive will be conducted with the funds. Drainage and sewerage systems will be upgraded and entrances to the markets will be widened with the JnNURM funds.
The civic body will place the report to the ministry of Urban Development to get funds under the JnNURM scheme. The civic body will float tender to select bidders to construct market complexes after funds are allocated.
The existing shop owners will be housed in the new market complex and rest of the place in the market complex would be rented out. Local shop owners will not resist the civic body, if their proposal and suggestions are included in the project report, a senior official of the market department said.
At the time of preparing the detailed project report, the KMC will take care to see that the carpet area does not come down after the new market complex comes up. If the total carpet area comes down then it would be problem to house all shop owners. In order to augment revenue of the market department, the KMC will allow installation of billboards in its markets. The billboards will be allowed to be put up after renovating various markets, including Jadubabaur Bazar, Park Circus market, Ramlal Bazar, Jadavgarh market and SN Roy market.
The condition of most of KMC's markets is not good. The civic officials have placed a report in this regard to the chief minister, Miss Mamata Banerjee, seeking suggestion to restore and renovate the markets.
