KMC scanner on other ‘private’ markets to pre-empt disaster
Times of India | 17 June 2025
12 Kolkata: Taking a lesson from the fire at Orphanganj Market in Kidderpore, KMC has set its sights on major markets across the city that are privately run and need an overhaul. According to a KMC market department official, while Jadubabur Bazaar in Bhowanipore tops the priority list, other private markets such as Sreemani Market, Hatibagan Market, and Satyanarayan Market (Burrabazar) are also under their scanner.Mayor Firhad Hakim recently held a meeting with the multiple owners of Jadubabur Bazar and proposed reconstructing the century-old building on a public-private partnership. However, according to a KMC market department official, the acquisition or reconstruction of the market won't be easy as the civic body needs to go through a legal process. "We are facing hurdles due to the presence of as many as 52 owners. We need to get consent from all of them," said the civic official.KMC officials who visited the market for inspection in July last year were very anxious about electrical wirings that entangled the markets and could lead to fire. "The electrical cables need to be rearranged and the drainage system must be improved," said a KMC market department official. Also, there are no fire extinguishers, the inspection team pointed out.According to Ashim Bose, a councillor who accompanied the civic team, efforts were on to reconstruct the market. "The process of reconstruction has started, and we will need to fasten it to avert any untoward incidents," said Bose.Similarly, the KMC brass is eager to redevelop other major private markets like Hatibagan and Sreemani, among others. "Talks are on to redevelop these old markets considering their location and age," said a KMC market department official.