illegal vendors irk traders, visitors

Ramkrshan Upadhyay 
Tribune News Service 
Chandigarh, December 9

The Sector 7 market is in a state of neglect. Dilapidated toilets, illegal vendors, poor sanitation and insufficient parking space are some of the problems that traders and visitors to the market face on a daily basis.

Ashok Grover, president of the Inner Market Welfare Association, Sector 7, said the toilets were in a bad shape. They stopped maintaining the toilets after the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation (MC) stopped paying them. 

He said, "We have been running the toilets on our own as the MC have not paid us since one-and-a-half year." He said there was a need to install paver block between the petrol pump and the market.

Luv Kishore Aggrwal, general secretary of the Market Welfare Association, said there had been a spurt in the number of illegal vendors at the market. They occupy the space meant for parking, causing great inconvenience to public. Also, several mechanics repair cars on the road itself, aggravating the gridlock.

The market is also facing sanitation issues due to poor maintenance, he added.

Besides, there are several booths in the area. Satish Kumar Mehta, President of the Old Booth Market Welfare Association, said the booth markets had added to the chaos. Also, there was not enough lighting in the area. The authorities concerned should make proper arrangements for lighting and should take steps to improve the condition of the toilets.

Rajiv Goel, executive member of the Sector 7 Madhya Marg Traders' Association, said parking was a major issue in the market as a number of the bars and restaurants had opened up in the area. This had started putting extra pressure on the existing parking area. 

Traderspeak

The market is facing a number of problems. The condition of toilets is not good and there is a limited area for parking as residents occupy the area meant for parking behind showrooms. — Ashok Grover 

Illegal vendors are increasing in the market, causing great inconvenience to commuters. Also, the toilets require immediate renovation. — Luv Kishore Aggarwal 

There is not enough lighting in the area. There should be proper ligtining arrangements. The authrorities concerned should also ensure proper sanitation. — Satish kumar Mehta 

Parking is a major issue in the market as a number of bar and restaurants have opened up in the area. This has added to the already existing parking problem in the area. — Rajiv Goel