Facelift project for 12 markets has remained on paper

BBMP has proposed to develop 12 markets, including the Malleswaram Market, Gandhi Bazaar, market at Kalasipalya bus terminal, Jayanagar Shopping Complex, Johnson Market, Cox Town Market, Moore Road Market, K R Puram Market, Mavalli Market, Lakkasandra Market, Yediyur Market and Seshadripuram Market.

According to BBMP sources, the Detailed Project Report (DPR) is under progress for most of the projects announced. The project includes reconstruction of the markets and construction of parking, commercial complex and office complex. 

Former BBMP Deputy Commissioner (Markets), Shashikala, told Deccan Herald that the projects are yet to start and that the civic agency is awaiting the state government's approval. She said: "We have sent the proposal to the government and are awaiting approval."

While the civic agency has grand plans to redevelop the markets, traders and citizens feel it is just a waste of expenditure.

Co-ordinator, Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), Aravind C said that the heritage value of the markets will be lost if the existing structure is razed .

Aravind said, “The Palike had proposed earlier to redevelop 18 markets. We had given petitions many times requesting the BBMP to withdraw their projects. The markets should be developed, without altering their basic structure, in terms of improving the facilities. Only if the structure is weak, there is a need to demolish the structure. The Palike should take the view of visitors and traders, who are the main stakeholders of the market and then proceed with the project to refurbish them.”