Inside Johnson market. Pic: Mansoor Ali
The BBMP proposes to demolish 18 old, traditional markets and replace them with malls. Most of the markets they plan to destroy are more than 60 years old, and some, like Johnson Market, are much, much older.
We believe the government must consider the heritage value of these markets before deciding to replace them with malls. Instead of thoughtlessly destroying them, the BBMP could easily involve urban, conservation and heritage experts such as INTACH to help revitalise these markets.
INTACH, together with like-minded people, has launched a campaign to save these structures and also promote awareness about their importance in the cityscape. The following weeks will see quite a few activities, such as heritage walks, photowalks, workshops, and so on. We hope you will continue to give us your unstinted support to make these activities successful.
We also need your support to let the government know that you care about heritage. Please do take a moment to sign this petition:http://goo.gl/HJnkqX
List of markets facing the axe
| Market name | Area (in sq ft) | Number of shops | Approx. age of building |
| Johnson Market | 40,608 | 100 | 100 |
| Austin Town | 8,664 | 37 | 50 |
| Dry fish market | 3,106 | 20 | 60 |
| Bandimoot Road market | 600 | 5 | 60 |
| Moore Road market | 11,085 | 27 | 50 |
| Richard Street market | 30,726 | 60 | 60 |
| Murphy Town market | 13,246 | 27 | 60 |
| Halasuru market | 8,395 | 96 | 80 |
| Darjipete market | 800 | 8 | 80 |
| Ballapur market | 4,000 | 53 | 80 |
| Srirampuram market | 10,000 | 21 | 60 |
| Akkipete market | 9,501 | 90 | 60 |
| Magadi Road market | 14,461 | 23 | 60 |
| Balepete market | 1,000 | 1 | 60 |
| SKR mutton market | 34,292 | 182 | 20 |
| Cubbonpete market | 20,000 | 59 | 80 |
| Sirsi Circle market | 4,175 | 8 | 80 |
| Chikkamavalli market | 8,000 | 42 | 80 |
Cubbonpete market. Pic: Mansoor Ali