BBMP clears encroachments at Russel Market

By Akhila Damodaran

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) cleared encroachments in entrance of the Russel Market on Saturday. The traffic police towed round 30 vehicles and over 100 two-wheelers that have been encroaching on the public space. Shopkeepers say they're satisfied to cooperate with the BBMP but shall be pressured to close the market down if they don't seem to be provided with a parking zone for the market.

Officials say the encroachments shall be monitored by way of the BBMP and traffic police. SG Ravindra, Special Commissioner (Estates), says, “We are following the High Court’s order. Hence, we're clearing off all encroachments so that hearth fighting cars can input the market in case of any emergency. The hearth division will investigate cross-check the market and give NOC. Only hearth brigade and ambulances shall be allowed to park in entrance of the market in case of any emergency.”

Mohammed Idrees Choudhury, general secretary, Russell Market Traders Association, says he’s satisfied that BBMP is taking action and is ready to cooperate with the municipal company. “But how will the physically-challenged other people and senior citizens set up without parking zone in entrance of the market? We are losing many purchasers because of rubbish and the stench. Why isn’t BBMP clearing that first?” he asks. The market that was once built in 1927, homes 375 shops and shoppers in over 500 vehicles and 1,000 two-wheelers visit the market each day, says Idrees.