Bustling BBMP markets lack proper vigil

Visited by almost 30,000 people daily, KR Market is in dire need of foolproof security

 While a round-the-clock security apparatus is in place at the City’s malls, railway stations, bus stations and other crowded areas following Sunday night’s blast on Church Street, there is hardly any security cover at several bustling markets maintained by the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP).

KR Market, one of the busiest in the City, does not have any security guard deployed on its premises. According to the traders, of the 13 CCTV cameras installed, only four to five are in  working condition. “Around 30,000 people visit the market every day. This market is located in the heart of the City and is a lifeline for the traders.

There is a dire need of security cover here,” said G M Diwakar, president of KR Market Flowers Merchants’ Association.

The situation is worse at KR Puram Market. The market, visited by thousands of people every day, neither has security guards nor cameras.

Meanwhile, traders at Russell Market have taken it upon themselves to ensure security measures are in place. While CCTV cameras have already been installed, traders are planning to deploy security guards at night.

“Our market is located in a sensitive zone and hence we are planning to heighten the security without depending on the BBMP. We have also received instructions from our local MLA to take steps,” said Mohammed Idrees of the Russell Market Vegetable and Fruit Merchants Association.

R V Gopi, president of Vegetable and Fruit Wholesale Merchants' Association, said security also needed to be beefed up at Kalasipalya Market and Jayanagar Shopping Complex.

B R Nanjundappa, Chairman, BBMP Standing Committee on Markets, said, “We have recently deployed Home Guards at the Public Utility Building. We will slowly upgrade the security system at other markets. I will speak to the Palike Commissioner M Lakshminarayana about this and take necessary action.”