Puducherry traders oppose Goubert Bazaar's redevelopment

The plan involves constructing a three-story building in the 2.9-acre area. Each floor will have provisions for two-wheeler parking. The National Building Constructions Corporation (NBCC), acting on behalf of PSCDL, has already issued the tender and work order for the construction. The proposed building will consist of 517 shops on the ground floor, 55 shops on the first floor, showrooms on the third floor, and a basement for adi kaas vendors. It will also include toilets, a hall, and lifts to provide better amenities for shoppers.

However, the traders have concerns about the timely completion of the work, potential business loss during the transition, and uncertainty regarding the re-allotment of shops. A meeting was recently held between District Collector E Vallavan and the market association, but it ended without any resolution. Orleanpet MLA G Nehru states that the officials are aiming to address the traders' concerns and improve the amenities.

Only 20% of the traders have shop allotments in their name, while the rest obtained allotments from previous owners by paying a price. These traders have been operating in the market for around four decades and are worried about their future. Approximately 2,500 individuals would be affected if shops are not allocated to them in the new complex. Additionally, the traders currently pay nominal rent, ranging from Rs 150 to 3,000, which is likely to be significantly increased.

Sundararaj emphasises the need to regularise the allotment of shops by including all existing traders and establishing reasonable rents. He believes that relocating the traders to a faraway place like AFT maidan, even temporarily, would result in a loss of business since customers prefer the current location.

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