Mangaluru: The Central Market in the city is back in the news. The closed market was set to open effective Septemer 25, 2020. This, according to an order of the High Court of Karnataka. But it still wears a deserted look.
The Market, a hub of vegetable and fruit trading activity, was closed down by an order of the Mangalore City Corporation in early April to prevent the spread of COVID-19 as people thronged the market in search of vegetables and fruits during the limited lockdown windows provided for shopping.
The Corporation moved the market to Baikampady away from the city and directed only traders to operate from there. There were also indications that it would be razed in the interim for the construction of a new market.
None was happy and the traders moved the high court for a restoration of the status quo. After the High Court passed an interim order on Monday, the Mangalore city corporation directed merchants who held trade licenses to submit their documents for scrutiny as only those who had trade licenses would be allowed back in according to the Civic Body with September 25, 2020, the D Day for traders to move in. Central Market Retail stall owners association in-charge President Hassan speaking to NewsKarnataka said that following High Court’s interim order, MCC had pasted notices at four exit points in the market directing traders to get their trade license and other documents approved by MCC and that on Wednesday 23 Sept and Thursday 24 Sept vendors had visited the corporation’s offices, to get their trade licenses approved.
The corporation has yet to restore power and water to the building though; maybe because there is, as of today only a lone security Guard ostensibly guarding the entrance.
In a way, the order of the High court came as set back to the Mangalore City Corporation which had evicted the traders forcefully six months ago.
