Chandigarh Administration starts process to shift Dhanas marble market to Sector 56 bulk market

The UT Administration has started the process to shift the marble market in Dhanas to the upcoming Bulk Material Market in Sector 56.

According to officials, a consultant has been hired to get environmental clearance for the new site. The consultant will submit an application to obtain environmental clearance from the Ministry of Forest, Environment and Climate Change. It would take nearly two months to obtain the clearance from the ministry, stated the officials.

339 trees at new venue to be axed

The bulk material market is being developed over 44 acres in Sector 56 at a cost of Rs 20 crore.

The environmental clearance for the site is mandatory, as the built-up area in the new market is more than 20,000 sq m.

Also, the UT Administration has to axe 339 trees, including 34 dried-up ones, before the allotment of sites.

After getting the clearance, bids would be invited for the allotment of sites in the new bulk market. Traders from other businesses would also be eligible to take part in the bidding process.

Earlier, the UT Engineering Department had planned to make the market ready for auction by May, but the work was delayed in the absence of green nod. The environmental clearance is mandatory, as the built-up area in the new market is more than 20,000 sq m. Also, the Administration has to axe 339 trees, including 34 dried-up ones, before the allotment of sites.

The bulk material market is being developed over 44 acres at a cost of Rs 20 crore. The authorities will auction 191 plots measuring 1 kanal each and 48 booth sites on a leasehold basis. Reserve price will be fixed on the basis of the current collector rates. A basement and three floors will be allowed on the one-kanal sites.

Initially, the Administration had planned to shift only marble traders from Dhanas to the new market. Displaced traders from the recently demolished furniture market can also take part in an open auction for allotment of plots.

During a survey carried out in 2016 and 2018, a total of 188 marble shops were found to being run from Dhanas. The Punjab and Haryana High Court has already declared these temporary markets illegal and ordered their removal.