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Time of India
6 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Tensions rise as corp evicts traders, demolishes shops
T'puram: Tensions rose at the century-old Connemara Market at Palayam where corporation staff evicted traders and demolished about 25 shops with the help of a large police force on Tuesday. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now According to the traders, corporation staff threw out articles from the shops. The owners shut their shops and raised slogans against the civic authorities for demolishing operational shops without ensuring proper rehabilitation. Corporation's move is part of a Rs 55-crore redevelopment project under Smart City Mission to modernise the market's infrastructure. However, traders allege that the demolition violates the high court order mandating adequate safety and infrastructure at temporary resettlement sites before any eviction. "We resisted corporation's attempt. As there were 200 policemen we couldn't oppose it, and they demolished the shops. It is a cruel act by the corporation. However, we will approach the court again. We won't move into the new facility," said Palayam Connemara Merchants Association secretary Rajas J. The merchants' association organised a shutdown of all shops and led a march, joined by families and supporters, to the corporation office. The corporation, along with Thiruvananthapuram Development Authority (Trida), constructed a temporary facility behind the existing market to house vendors during the redevelopment. These consist of three prefabricated blocks, designed to accommodate up to 460 traders, with dedicated sections for fish vendors. However, several traders claim they haven't been allotted their new spaces yet. Traders are firm in their refusal to relocate until all safety and infrastructure concerns are addressed. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now According to a senior official, the corporation has to complete acquisition proceedings. "Though we issued directives several times, they didn't relocate. Hence, we had to do it forcefully. However, all traders will be rehabilitated properly," he said. Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithi state president and national secretary S S Manoj strongly condemned city corporation's move. He called the act inhumane and lawless, saying only those devoid of empathy and legal respect could execute such an operation. Despite assurances to the court and traders, four police vehicles accompanied by corporation-appointed workers arrived to raze operating shops without ensuring safe relocation, he said. This was the final attempt to forcefully evict traders into a new building that neither meets safety standards nor complies with court-ordered conditions, Manoj alleged. Using forged affidavits to mislead courts and compromising the safety of traders and consumers is completely unacceptable, he added.
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Tension erupts at Palayam market over demolition of operational shops
Thiruvananthapuram: Tensions erupted at Connemara Market in Palayam on Friday afternoon after a section of traders protested against the corporation's attempt to demolish shops, which they claimed were still operational, as part of the redevelopment plan. The protest began around 1pm when civic authorities started dismantling some structures of the market. The demolition of shops that were not in use has been ongoing for weeks, but the move to raze functional outlets, such as tea stalls and vegetable shops, sparked resistance from the shopkeepers. However, the police intervened and brought the situation under control. "There are several shops which are still in use and we have not yet been fully rehabilitated," said Rajas J, a shop owner and Merchants Association secretary. He emphasised that traders were willing to vacate once the corporation makes suitable arrangements for them. The traders have also decided to shut down all the shops on Saturday as part of the protest. The corporation along with Thiruvananthapuram Development Authority (TRIDA) constructed a temporary facility behind the existing market to house vendors during the redevelopment. These consist of three prefabricated blocks made of high-quality steel, designed to accommodate up to 460 traders, including dedicated sections for fish vendors. However, several traders claimed that they have not allotted their designated spaces yet. Meanwhile, a senior corporation official confirmed that the situation was brought under control. "The issue has been settled. Functional shops will not be demolished until traders are properly rehabilitated. A meeting with the affected traders will be held soon to resolve any outstanding concerns," the official said. The Rs 55-crore market redevelopment project is being executed by RDS Projects Ltd under the Smart City Mission. The revamp was in the planning stages for over a decade and aims to address longstanding issues related to sanitation, safety and the deteriorating structure of the decades-old market. Originally slated to begin by March 31, 2025, the project has already seen delays, leading to financial and administrative complications. Sources indicate that additional funds may now be required to complete the project. Despite the setbacks, civic authorities insist that the redevelopment was essential for modernising the market and improving conditions for both traders and customers. "We understand the concerns of the traders, but this project is vital to ensure a safe, clean, and efficient marketplace in the heart of the city," the corporation official added. The temporary relocation is part of a phased plan to ensure uninterrupted business for traders while the new complex is under construction. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Brother's Day wishes , messages and quotes !
