The Hindu 09.11.2010
Allotment of shops to be completed by month-end
| Corporation plans to conduct a draw of lots |
Set for occupation:The shopping complex for hawkers in Pondy Bazaar.
CHENNAI: Chennai Corporation proposes to complete the allotment process of shops at its three new hawkers' complexes across the city by this month-end.
Following a recent directive of the Madras High Court to expedite the allotment of the shops in the complex in Pondy Bazaar, the civic body has decided to conduct a draw of lots under the aegis of the hawking committee headed by former judge A.Ramamurthi, according to officials of the Corporation.
Officials said about 640 hawkers, who are to be relocated in the complex from various places in T.Nagar would be provided ID cards. Allotment of space to traders selling different wares would be decided by the committee. The relocation is part of the measures to reduce congestion on many roads of T.Nagar.
Mayor M.Subramanian said the final list of the beneficiaries would be prepared on completion of a vigilance enquiry in a few days. The number of hawkers to get accommodation in the complex at Royapuram was identified as 133. However, it was found that the only 117 of them were involved in business in the area.
The Ayanavaram shopping complex was set to accommodate nearly 330 hawkers.
The three complexes were inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister M.K.Stalin two months ago. The Corporation could not adhere to its deadline of relocating hawkers by October owing to the legal hurdles, officials said. The civic agency would also relocate nearly 50 hawkers on Anna Salai to Dams Road in a fortnight.
