New Mkt traders raise stink over hawkers, garbage, mutation block
Times of India | 14 February 2025
12 Kolkata: The SS Hogg Market Traders' Association at New Market on Thursday put up posters highlighting the "neglect of the heritage market by civic authorities" in its 150th year. The market itself is in a shambles and though around Rs 18 crore was sanctioned for its restoration last year, work hasn't commenced yet.
Among the issues raised are the lack of basic maintenance and security despite the payment of a 50% extra maintenance charge introduced two years ago; not allowing shopkeepers to install air-conditioners since 2008; not accepting applications for the mutation of shops by those who inherited them after the recorded owner's death; and inaction against hawkers blocking entrances and occupying parking lots designated for shoppers in streets around New Market.
Sources said the charter of demands spelled out in the poster put up at vantage points would also be sent with letters to the mayor, MMiC market, municipal commissioner, and others in the next few days. The association would then wait for a week to see if the KMC, which owns the market, displays intent to address the concerns. If the demands are "ignored or brushed aside", the traders intend to launch a mass protest that could include rallies and even downing shutters.
Since 2024, the association has sent several letters to various civic authorities, drawing attention to the issues. But there was no noticeable action other than short-lived pushback drives against hawkers a couple of times. On Thursday evening, association members put up notices at the market gates, central rotunda, and other places listing 12 demands. Of these, nine were related to hawker encroachment.
"The civic authorities have not permitted the installation of new ACs at either the old or the new complex since 2008, despite shopkeepers agreeing to pay the surcharge over the rent. AC is no longer a luxury. Last summer was particularly bad," an association functionary said.
Shopkeepers are also peeved with the shoddy cleaning of the market and lack of adequate security. With no bins, the corridors are littered with garbage. Also, paan and gutka spit stains are evident at corners. The northern end of a century-old confectionery in the market has become a spittoon.
"Drains and sewers aren't cleared, and they overflow during monsoon. There have also been thefts in the market at night," a shopkeeper said.
The association is also peeved that 300 out of 2,700 shops have not been mutated as KMC stopped mutation for two years. "It is a major problem for a successor to conduct business as there is a hindrance in opening a bank accounts and upgrading the trade licence," said another association functionary.