Every day tens of thousands of people visit Krishna Rajendra Market for buying flowers in the upper
basement floor of SKR Market (new complex). The legendary market was demolished and shoppers were allotted alternative shops on lottery basis.
Now Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is permitting illegal constructions and allotment of shops within the heritage structure. Bangalore Flower Merchants’ Association Vice president Divakar says that illegal construction of shops is being allowed in the passages reserved for light and ventilations and free movement of public. Now more than 11 such establishments have come up.
The present allotment in done in the passage-B8 where the space is required for movement and maintence of electric cables, and free ventilation purposes. Plans are on the anvil to close more passages soon.
Divakar alleges that the BBMP officials are hand-in-glove with vested interests. “Though the High Court of Karnataka has issued a stay order, even the emergency exits are being blocked. This will only lead to
accidents. To prevent this, these illegal constructions must not be allowed and those that have come up must be demolished,” he adds.
No proper law:
1. BBMP is going the e-way. It has started e-tendering for all its projects, but why not here?
2. Why not use other floors?
Going to court:
The matter needs to be investigated thoroughly and corrective measures initiated urgently. Seeking government intervention to resolve the issue, the Association has cautioned that if that doesn’t happen, it will move the High Court and call for bund.
Message by G M DIVAKAR: 9845055688, VICE-PRESIDENT, BFMA.