Naya Bazaar traders sigh in relief post Mayor’s assurance

Staff Reporter

Traders in Naya Bazaar area breathed a sigh of relief as they met Mayor Jagat Bahadur Singh on Friday to discuss proposed demolition of extended portions of their shops. The traders had been facing the threat of their establishments being razed following directions of JMC administration. In response to their concerns, the Mayor assured the traders that he would arrange a meeting with State Urban Development and Housing Minister, Bhupendra Singh to find a suitable resolution to the issue. With the assurance, the proposed demolition drive by the JMC in Naya Bazaar has been put on hold. Future actions will now be determined in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the State Government in the light of the directions issued by the High Court.

It may be noted that the traders in Naya Bazaar have been reluctant to pay the required premium amount for several years, which led to notices being issued by the JMC administration. The Municipal Corporation had also prepared to take action but decided to grant the traders a final opportunity after some of them deposited Rs 10 lakh towards the premium amount and requested additional time to pay the remaining balance.

According to the information received, the traders are willing to pay the premium amount but require some time, a request that has been accepted by the JMC administration. The Market Department of the JMC had previously issued many notices to the traders regarding the premium amount, but they had been reluctant to respond. When the JMC administration made plans to raze the encroached areas using bulldozers, the traders got panicked and began seeking more time from officials and public representatives.

It may be mentioned that the traders in Naya Bazaar area were initially allotted shops measuring 192 square feet, on a monthly rent. However, many of them gradually expanded their shops without obtaining proper permission, which resulted in notices from the JMC to regularize the extended portions of their establishments. Due to political interference at the time, many traders did not consider it necessary to pay the required amount, and over time, the amount increased to lakhs, making it difficult for them to pay now. While some traders have already paid a portion of the premium amount and are willing to pay the full amount, the majority of encroachers remain hesitant. As the traders received assurance from the Mayor regarding a scheduled meeting with the State Urban Development and Housing Minister to find a consensus on the issue, the JMC has temporarily suspended its plan to demolish the extended portions of shops in Naya Bazaar.