Puducherry: Puducherry Lt Governor Kiran Bedi directed the Municipal Commissioner to complete the work on the Muthialpet fish market by the month of November and to open it for vendors by December.
Bedi on Sunday undertook an inspection of the Muthialpet market to follow up on a complaint that the works are being delayed unnecessarily.
The 100-year-old fish market was demolished in 2010 to reconstruct it with financial assistance from two MLAs and Central assistance with an estimated amount of Rs 2.6 crore. Though the market was proposed to be constructed within a period of 12 months, seven years have already passed.
“Who explains the delay of seven years in making of the market? Who is accountable for the dislocation all these years?” she asked while visiting the market with Puducherry municipal commissioner S. Ganesan and other officials who informed Bedi that the construction work is almost finished and awaiting electricity connection.
On asking about the allotment criteria of the plots to vendors, the municipal commissioner clarified that those who were occupying the area before and are temporarily accommodated at nearby locations, would be placed back in the market on its opening.
“Seventy-two fish platforms, 48 provisions and general merchant shops and 72 vegetable platforms would be ready for use after completion of the work which would be beneficial for 190 vendors. Vegetable and fruit vendors who are presently occupying the roadsides would also be brought back”, Ganesan said.
Bringing back the vendors to the market will not only be justice served, but roadsides now occupied by them will be free for smooth traffic flow, Bedi said. She also reminded the officials to go for spot visit to ensure the matters are addressed in a time bound manner.
“Instead of paper reports in such exceedingly delayed matters spot visits enable early commitment as it comes in public gaze. People are complaining today because there is an Open House at Raj Nivas and they can come with their grievances and be certain of being addressed”, said the Lt Governor. Bedi also visited MAS colony in Reddiyarpalayam to inspect progress in cleaning the drain.
