July 19th 2023.
Traders of Mumbai Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) in Vashi have raised their voices against the proposed demolition of the Onion-Potato market. There are around 200 galas in the dilapidated structure that have been issued a notice of vacating by the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation.
According to an order issued in July 12, 2005, the APMC was supposed to reconstruct the Onion and Potato market structure. However, the order was not complied with. Two structural audits conducted by Structurewell Designers and Consultants Pvt. Ltd. in January 2004 and 2019 found out that all 234 shops in the market fall under C2B category and not C1. This means that the structure can remain sound for the next 20 years if proper repairs and maintenance are carried out.
The gala holders have taken measures to protect the building from further damage by covering their roofs with rain sheets, preventing leakage and seepage. In light of this, it has been suggested that the APMC should address the weakened slabs in the common canteen, toilet, and adjoining areas of the Onion and Potato market.
The central facility building in Spice market in APMC, on the other hand, has been deemed extremely dangerous and a demolition notice has been issued. However, some shop owners have refused to move out and have requested help from MLA Ganesh Naik and MLA Shashikant Shinde to find a solution.
MLA Ganesh Naik and MLA Shashikant Shinde held a meeting with representatives from APMC and the municipal administration on Thursday at the Market Committee office. Ashok Dak, former chairman of APMC Bazaar Committee, stated, "Once the structural inspection report is available, is it possible to repair the building promptly? Alternatively, a unanimous decision should be made to completely demolish the building.”
The traders of APMC in Vashi have been vocal about the Onion-Potato market issue, whereas the central facility building in Spice market has also seen the traders raising their voices against the proposed demolition. With the help of the two MLAs, the traders are hoping to find a solution to the matter that would benefit them in the long run.
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