Shandy ground turns paddy field

The dispute between the City Municipality and the traders carrying on business on the maidan has reached the court thus rendering the provision of infrastructure facility at the market, a remote possibility. As a result, vegetables are being sold in unhealthy environment, amid decomposed vegetables, undisposed garbage punctuated with stench. The location could be a potential source for spread of epidemics.

Chequered history

The shandy maidan was inaugurated by then minister T Chennaiah in 1956. Stalls were constructed nine years later and were let out on rent till 1999. However, the place lost its sheen after construction of the APMC yard on Malur road as major traders shifted to the new location. According to City Municipality, the place since then is vacant.

Small merchants continued their business at the maidan. The place with squalor all over has become the source of their livelihood.

There are also complaints that some merchants have sub-let their stalls. The CMC contends that the merchants have not been paying any tax and they have not been given any licence to carry on business at the place. Consequently, they have no locus standi to demand any amenities also.

The merchants, however have a differing version. They claim that they have been paying tax from day one and that they have receipts as well. Shandy Maidan Vegetable Vendors’ Association came into existence five years ago to fight for their rights. The merchants at the market have filed a public interest litigation, which is still pending.

“B S Yeddyurappa, during his tenure as deputy chief minister had directed the Deputy Commissioner to consider our pleas. But nothing has been done,” said Syed Fayaz of the Association.

People find vegetables costlier in the large vegetable market on M G Road and come to vendors at shandy maidan.

The vendors have also appealed to consider their plight on humanitarian grounds as well.