Shopping for danger

The absence of a market redevelopment policy has stalled over 30 redevelopment proposals.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has been dragging its feet on an effective policy to expedite redevelopment of civic marketplaces,most of which are over 50 years old,ensuring that they remain in a dilapidated state posing a threat to shoppers and shopkeepers.

Most civic markets frequented by Mumbaikars to buy a range of goods including vegetables,fruits,poultry,clothes,utensils and flowers,are becoming increasingly inaccessible and are in urgent need of repairs and redevelopment.

The absence of a market redevelopment policy has stalled over 30 redevelopment proposals. These markets pose a danger to not only citizens but also shopkeepers.

Many dilapidated market buildings are in need of repairs and have been left unattended. In some instances,vendors themselves have approached BMC for permission to carry out basic repairs. The corporation has refused them permission citing lack of a policy, says Congress corporator and improvements committee member Mohsin Haider.

At present,of the 103 municipal markets,three in the suburbs have undergone redevelopment. Most of the markets are in a deplorable condition.

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram