বন্যা ঠেকাতে নেতাজি মার্কেটের পুরনো ড্রেন পরিষ্কার করতে শুরু করেছে ভেলোর কর্পোরেশন
The market was constructed in 1868, two years after the establishment of the Vellore Municipality in 1866. Image source: Special Arrangement, Vellore Corporation. To prevent waterlogging during the monsoon season, the Vellore Corporation has initiated the removal of soil and the reconstruction of old and dilapidated rainwater drains inside the British-era Netaji Wholesale Market, located opposite the fort complex.
The current Netaji Wholesale Market, spanning 1.5 acres, houses 982 stores, including 282 retail outlets, according to corporation officials. The market was established in 1868, two years after the Vellore Municipality was formed in 1866. Initially, the market had only 200 stalls, with more shops added over the years.
Vellore Corporation Commissioner Lakshmanan told The Hindu: “The old drains within the market have not been cleared for many years. In addition to waste removal, the corporation will also reconstruct damaged drains in specific areas of the market to prevent waterlogging.”
The market serves as a lifeline for residents within the corporation’s limits, covering 60 wards with a population of over 1 million people. On average, 80-100 trucks from neighboring states such as AP, Karnataka, and Maharashtra arrive at the market daily to unload essential goods.
“The removal of dirt and the repair of drains inside the market is a welcome step. Previously, many shops in the market would close during heavy rains because the facility would get submerged,” said Ganavel, president of the Vellore All Traders Association.
Corporation officials stated that the current drain is approximately one foot wide and two feet deep. The narrow drain is also clogged due to the accumulation of a large amount of silt. As a result, excess rainwater from the surrounding entrances overflows into the market, causing flooding. The ongoing work will remove the silt accumulated in the drains. The interconnected water channels of the market will be expanded to drain excess rainwater.
The expanded water channel will be 1.5 meters wide and three meters deep. The work is expected to be completed within the next week.
Corporation officials said that efforts by the civic body to reconstruct the market with modern amenities had failed after the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) refused to issue a No Objection Certificate because the market falls within the 100-meter restricted area of the fort complex, a protected monument, under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act (AMASR Act), 2010.
Furthermore, the corporation is planning to restore the dilapidated clock tower to its original grandeur using lime and mortar. Dense vegetation will be removed from its structure, including the walls and columns. Experts from Kolkata will manufacture the clock. Artisans from southern Tamil Nadu will be involved in the construction work.
The clock tower, part of the market complex, was installed by residents on December 12, 1911, to commemorate the coronation of King George V and Queen Mary in Delhi, corporation officials stated. Renovation is underway.
প্রকাশিত: 2025-11-01 06:00:00
উৎস: www.thehindu.com
