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Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Ranchi vendor markets sinking under choked drains, unhygienic surroundings, & poor infra
1 2 Ranchi: The city's main vendor markets, especially Naga Baba Khatal and Kokar, are characterised by choked drains, unhygienic surroundings, and poor infrastructure. These public spaces remain on the margins of municipal attention in spite of being important areas in a civilised society. A vendor at Rs 10.86-crore valued Naga Baba Khatal Vendor Market, Rekha Devi, said, "Overflowing drains, stagnant water, and heaps of rotting vegetables have turned the area unbearable. Even a small shower turns this place into a filthy swamp. The stink is terrible. Customers avoid coming here." Echoing the statement, customer Neha Kumari said, "The area lacks drainage system. We have to walk in muck mixed with vegetable waste. Toilets are barely usable, especially for women." At Kokar Vendor Market, vendors operate beside garbage piles and blocked drains. "The waste isn't picked up regularly, turning into heaps and lying scattered with rainwater," said Imran, a fruit seller. The Atal Vendor Market, built at a cost of Rs 54 crore with 478 shops, is structurally better but overcrowded. Vendors and customers struggle to navigate narrow congested passages. "There's no space to walk during rush hours, especially when shopkeepers display goods outside their stalls," said Arun Kumar, a vendor. Though these markets were constructed to decongest roads and fight encroachments, their neglected condition is forcing vendors back onto roads and footpaths. "The markets helped control encroachment to some extent. However, the vendors prefer doing their business from the roadside, where footfall is higher and conditions are manageable," said Shabnam Ansari, a vendor at Naga Baba Market. Assistant municipal commissioner Nikesh Kumar said, "Each market has four to five cleaning staff. Restoration files have been submitted to the authorities. Upgradation of infrastructure would begin based on approval." "For hundreds of vendors and thousands of customers, restoring hygiene and functionality in these markets isn't about comfortbut survival," said Ritu Sinha, another customer at the Atal Vendor Market.
Time of India
11-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Facilities for vehicle owners parked in filth & darkness
Lucknow: Launched to ease traffic congestion and provide organised vehicle space, several underground and multi-level parking facilities in the city are now battling poor upkeep, mismanagement and public neglect.A reality check by TOI on Saturday at key sites — Hazratganj, Alambagh, Sarojini Naidu Park, Aminabad's Bhomigat, and Nishatganj — revealed common issues: non-functional lifts, dim lighting, dirty surroundings and crumbling smart multi-level parking, inaugurated in 2023 with digital payments, valet service and space for hundreds of vehicles, is now in decline. Lifts are broken, tubelights do not work and fire safety systems were and Aminabad's Bhoomigat (underground) parkings show similar signs of neglect. At Nishatganj, non-working lights, dark interiors and reports of police sleeping on duty raised concerns. Neha Kumari said, "There have been times when I had to walk alone to pick my scooter in complete darkness.." In Aminabad, dim lighting, stained walls and no dustbins give a sense of abandonment. Workers were seen spitting within the premises. At Chandar Nagar, Alambagh, only one light works. Two of its four gates remain closed and vendors had taken over surrounding space. Inside, the walls are dirty and the restrooms stink. "One gate was closed for over five years, and temporary stalls have taken over," said Imtiyaz Khan, a regular commuter in Naidu Park's underground parking is also poorly lit and almost unusable after sunset. Daily user of the facility, Surbhi Singh, said, "It's completely dark inside after sunset. You have to use your phone's torch to find your car. It's not just inconvenient, it's scary. I avoid parking here in the evenings." In contrast, Gomti Riverfront parking Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Mother's Day wishes , messages , and quotes !
