BBMP demolishes shops in Malleswaram market

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has begun the demolition drive in Malleshwarm market area. So far 80 shops have been demolished to make way for market development project planned jointly by the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) and BBMP.

Lakshminarasiah, Joint Commissioner, West, BBMP, said on Dec 3, 2014, the first phase of notice was issued to 48 shop owners to evacuate the market. In the second phase, On Dec 6, 2014, 38 others were served notices. Rest of the shop owners were given notices before December.

He said that they have got the court order and a letter from the BBMP commissioner to go ahead with the demolition. The demolition will take place in a phased manner.

However, N Venkataswamy, President of Malleshwarm market association said, "We don't know what to do and we are helpless. " He further added that he was not informed in advance about the demolition.

About 248 shops stretched over 2.08 acre will be demolished in a phased manner in the Malleshwarm market area. Though the BDA has backtracked, the BBMP went ahead with the demolition.

Earlier on Dec 12, 2014, 18 shops were demolished by the BBMP under police protection, despite opposition by the vendors.BBMP demolishes shops in Malleswaram market