Even as it stands mired in controversies, the demolition drive of old shops in Makkaji Chowk began here on Friday.
Corporation authorities launched the demolition drive with a group of nearly 100 gangmen led by assistant commissioners at the Makkaji Chowk at as early as 6 am.
No protest
Roof tops of the 12 shops on the first floor of the shopping complex were removed.
There was no protest as none of the shop owners were present during the demolition drive.
However, in the past, many shop owners and tempo owners had protested against pulling down of shops at Chowk to make way for ‘swanky’ shopping complex which could very well become only rich businessmen’s preserve.
This, they anticipated, could also harm the heritage status of the city.
Police assistance
Nearly 200 Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP) personnel led by Devaraja Station In-charge Inspector Srinivas and Sub-Inspector Ravi were deployed to assist the Corporation authorities in the demolition drive.
Lorries and tippers were also pressed into service to clear away piles of rubble from the scene.
The premises rendered vacant by demolition will in turn make way for the construction of a shopping complex to be constructed by Maverick Holdings and Investments Limited who have also built Garuda Mall on Magrath Road in Bangalore.
‘Drive will continue’
Speaking to reporters, Corporation Executive Engineer Chamaraje Gowda said, “About 12 shops on the first floor will be demolished in the next three days. We have given instructions to the shops owners to shift their goods as soon as possible as the entire complex will be demolished in the coming days.”
Shop owners reportedly have been paid close to Rs 1.5 crore as compensation. The Corporation had acquired Makkaji Chowk which had housed various categories of shops and businesses since ages - in 1994 for the construction of a shopping complex.
An executive of the Maverick Holdings and Investments Limited said that the owners may shift their shops to the temporary sheds which have been set up near by.
He also said that the company has already built 20 shops to accommodate the ones which are being demolished, they will be soon shifted to the new building in three months once the construction is over.
