In an attempt to make the iconic Maharaj Ganj Bazar of Agartala congestion free as well as to ensure better ambience for the traders and the buyers, the Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) is set to take a slew of steps, said AMC Mayor Dipak Majumder.
The Mayor along with the local corporator Ratna Datta and other concerned dignitaries visited the Maharaj Ganj Bazar on Friday which was set up in Agartala and developed by the Kings of Tripura.
“Making the markets congestion free is the priority. For this we will work on two strategies. Firstly, loading and unloading of goods at the market will be allowed at a fixed timing. Secondly, all the illegal constructions and the encroachment by the sellers would be removed”, Majumder told the media.
Explaining further the Mayor said, Heavy vehicles carrying goods for the wholesale traders, at present unload the goods any time at the any area of the market – this causes traffic jam in the market area. To solve this long-standing problem, AMC has decided that heavy vehicles would unload the goods at a designated place near the by-pass road and smaller vehicles would ferry those goods to big markets like Maharaj Ganj and Battala markets. These smaller vehicles would be allowed to load and unload goods at a particular time.
“This new loading and unloading process is likely to come into force from March next”, the Mayor said.
Besides, all the illegal structures would be demolished to clear the blocked spaces. The traders who encroached the footpath, are requested to vacate the space within seven days, Dipak Majumder said.
Seeking co-operations from the traders, the Mayor said, in case of any fire incidence or medical emergency – it would be tough for the Fire tenders or ambulance to reach the spot because of the illegal structures and encroachments. This is a dangerous situation for the traders. For the sake of the traders and buyers, roads must be cleared, Majumder asserted.
The AMC will also take into account the drainage system in the market as well as prompt garbage clearance.
“During the last 25 years, CPM led AMC neglected the Maharaj Ganj Bazar and was never keen to improve it. The prevailing situation in the market is such that reforms and development of the market within a short notice is impossible. However, BJP led AMC is working with a vision and plan to improve the market areas in consonance with Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb’s emphasis on city beautification and ensuring availability of civic service”, Dipak Majumder reiterated.