Even as traders at Russell Market were celebrating after renovating the burnt premises at their own cost, the BBMP slapped notices, asking the traders to evacuate the premises. The BBMP has also questioned the traders for taking up the renovation work without permission from the authorities.
The BBMP issued the notice, stating that the traders should not carryout any business as it is conducting a stability study of the building with the help from Tor Steel Techno Clinic. “The accidental fire on February 25 caused extensive damage to the shops on the ground and first floor in the market. The structure has been damaged and its current dilapidated condition could pose a serious safety threat. It is not suitable to conduct business within the premises. However, notices of evacuation handed over by BBMP officials were refused by the vendors,” BBMP sources told Deccan Chronicle
In case of any untoward incident, threat to life, loss or damage to the property, the vendors will be held responsible, they said. No further business should be conducted in the market until further orders and traders should vacate the premises. If they fail to comply with the order, action will be initiated as per law, they said. The traders had begun repairing the market and spent over Rs 1.5 crore. New foundations were laid for all the 72 pillars and 18 pillars were replaced to strengthen the structure.
Soon after learning that the traders’ association had started work, some BBMP authorities inspected the spot and took stock of the situation. The BBMP issued the notice as a precautionary measure. “BBMP authorities have said they are not responsible for any damage,” said Naseer Ahmed, President, Russell Market Traders’ Association.
Association Secretary Mohammad Idrees Choudhury said the traders have completed about 90 per cent of the works. “The operation is being monitored by reputed engineers and architects from the KK Infrastructure, who have worked for the Bengaluru International Airport (BIA). The firm is also recognised by the BBMP,” he added. Engineers from KK Infrastructure have given a fitness certificate and said another floor too can be built on the present structure, he said.
“BBMP authorities have issued the notice now. It is very late. Had they issued it earlier, we would have stopped the work. BBMP authorities wanted at least five months to renovate the market. As the delay was affecting the livelihoods of many traders, we had pooled in money and started the renovation work,” Mr Choudhury said. The association members requested the BBMP to provide necessary facilities, like sanitary, security, water and power supply, to carry out their business. All the 174 burnt shops have been fixed. The VIP block too has been restored. The association has received the support of Jayamahal MLA Roshan Baig and area corporator Shakeel Ahmed, he said.