BBMP keeps Russell Market in dark, but traders see hope

[1]

Traders at the 85-year-old Russell Market have been carrying out their business without power or water for the last two months ever since a major fire gutted the heritage landmark of the city.

With Ramzan approaching, the traders met BBMP officials and requested them to provide them power and water connections as big crowds of buyers throng the market during the holy month. Top bosses in the palike assured the traders that the connections could be restored by next week.

Recently, Russell Market traders and area MLA Roshan Baig submitted fresh letters to BBMP, BWSSB and Bescom requesting restoration of power and water supplies.

“We met the commissioners and other officials, who assured us that a final decision will be taken this week and the connections will be restored by next week,” said General Secretary, Russell Market Traders' Association, Mohammad Idrees Choudhury.

After the fire accident on February 25, which destroyed over 170 shops, the BBMP has refused to give a no-objection certificate as it plans to demolish the building and build a modern shopping complex in its place. But the traders have opposed the idea and are going on without power and electricity.

The traders pooled their own money, rebuilt the burnt market and inaugurated it on April 23. But the BBMP wrote to Bescom and asked them not to restore electricity to the market.

“We are spending Rs11,000 per day on diesel power generators. As Ramzan is approaching, the BBMP should restore water and electricity connections as the market is very active during the season,” Mr Idrees said.

BBMP Commissioner M.K. Shankarlinge Gowda said he did not remember meeting the traders, while special commissioner (projects) K. Niranjan said that restoring power to Russell Market doesn’t concern.