Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (MS)
Mangaluru, Jan 15: The work over a well-equipped market building, which is the dream of many years of public of Thokottu on the outskirts of the city, has begun within few days of laying the foundation stone. The work is expected to complete in few months’ time.
Thokottu, which was the epicentre of Ullal constituency, will be the central point for Ullal taluk also in coming days. In this context, the new market will be of much importance. Though there was market selling fish, meat, vegetables and fruits on inside of Thokottu it was very congested and unhygienic. Many people were not visiting the place over the same reason.
As per the public demand, though Rs one crore was sanctioned, under the city development grant, for a new market in the area proper land was not available. The only way out was to demolish the existing old building. Accordingly, the old building was demolished and foundation stone for the new building was laid on December 19, 2020 by MLA U T Khader.
The traders who were carrying out business in the old building are scattered now. Grocery shops have shifted to the next building. Vegetable vendors have shifted to Ambedkar grounds. Chicken and other traders have opened shops in the nearby private plot on rent. Three beef stalls were doing business by erecting asbestos for shops. But some miscreants put fire for those.
Some part of the old market building belonged to the Railway department. At present there is marking of railway department adjacent to the new building that is being constructed. There is also a possibility that the new building may get cracks due to the movement of trains very close by. That is why only one storey building is being built in the first phase.
On the ground floor of the building that is being constructed in the first phase there will be 12 large, two small shops, chicken, fish, mutton, beef stalls and separate toilets will be available. On the first floor there will be 12 large and four small shops. The MLA who was not happy with the building sketch that was made by the engineer got the new blue print done by other architect and gave priority to construct the building.
MLA U T Khader said, "Rs one crore grant was released three years ago, to construct new market building in Thokottu. However, as there was no alternative facility for the traders to carryout business, the work of the building got delayed. The building will be completed in eight months. First priority will be given to the traders, who were conducting business in the old market."
Chandrakanth, president of Thokottu Olapete traders' association says, "The work of new market building at Thokottu was getting delayed since many years. Alternative arrangement is done for the traders in order to implement the city development project. We demand that the building construction needs to be finished soon."