On the 3rd of October, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC,) demolished the 60 years old Lingampally Vegetable Market.
The GHMC demolished the market near Narayanguda flyover. Due to the demolition, shopkeepers staged a protest saying the shopkeepers at the market have no alternative place to go.
The sixty years old Lingampally vegetable market is spread over nearly 1500 yards with approximately 56 shops.
The reason for the demolition cited by the GHMC official is due to the old structure which is in a dilapidated or shabby condition. The building and the market was constructed in the 1960s and is now dangerous as it is feared to break down any time.
As per the municipal corporation policy, the old and dilapidated market needs to be demolished and would be replaced with a ground plus three floor structure along with a cellar for parking.
A GHMC spokesperson said “Eviction notices were served to the shop owners last December and despite repeated reminders, the owners did not vacate the premises. Left with no choice, we had to demolish the market today.”
After the new construction, lands would be given to the shopkeepers who could bid for the land in the new constructed area.
However, shopkeepers argued with GHMC and police officials asking that without providing them an alternative location to conduct their business, how could the municipal corporation demolish the structure.
The market was the only way of livelihood for many shopkeepers who now have no way to go.
Police security were also deployed at the area to control the situation.
Stay tuned for further updates.
