Latest news with #RajeshAyre
Time of India
7 days ago
- Time of India
Garments market near Kunal Crossroads shut down after safety, encroachment concerns
Vadodara: The Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) on Saturday cleared out a long-standing traditional garments market near Kunal Crossroads in the city's western part. The move marked the end of a popular seasonal bazaar that had gradually turned into a year-round presence on plots owned by VMC and the Vadodara Urban Development Authority (VUDA). The market, once a hotspot for shoppers — especially during Navratri when garba revellers flocked in large numbers — came under scrutiny after residents from a nearby locality raised objections. The tipping point was an alleged incident of harassment involving youths from the market and a local girl. Originally set up as a temporary market during festive seasons, the stalls had become a permanent fixture. While shoppers from the western parts of the city initially relied on areas like Navabazar in the old city, the market near Kunal Crossroads had grown in popularity in recent years. BJP leader Rajesh Ayre took up the matter, citing illegal encroachment. The civic body's fire department also issued a notice, citing lack of fire safety measures despite high footfalls. Additionally, the Gujarat Energy Transmission Corporation (GETCO) raised objections, as part of the market was situated beneath high-tension power lines. Following a joint survey by VMC and VUDA, vendors were warned to vacate. On Saturday, when civic officials arrived to carry out the eviction, vendors resisted. "We paused the drive for an hour as the vendors wanted to make representations. However, they later demanded a 10-day postponement. Some women even lay in front of our machinery," said Mangesh Jaiswal, VMC's director of encroachment removal and security. Police were called in to assist, and the operation went ahead, resulting in the removal of approximately 100 vendors from the site.
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Gotri garba market faces civic action over land encroachment
Vadodara: The traditional garments market at Kunal Crossroads in Gotri — well-known among Barodians, especially Garba enthusiasts — has come under the scanner for allegedly encroaching on land owned by the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC). Following the revelation, the civic body has initiated a survey to assess the extent of encroachment. The issue surfaced after local residents complained that a girl from a nearby housing society was harassed by someone associated with the market. The incident triggered a series of complaints, prompting BJP leader Rajesh Ayre to raise the matter with VMC last week. On Tuesday, his son and BJP corporator, Shrirang Ayre, brought up the issue during the VMC general board meeting. In response, VMC officials visited the site and, after assessing the situation, ordered a formal survey of the area. Vendors operating temporary stalls at the site have been advised to vacate voluntarily. Officials confirmed that the civic body will soon begin issuing notices to start the formal eviction process for unauthorized vendors operating on VMC land.
