The Palayam Connemara Market redevelopment project in Thiruvananthapuram has hit a roadblock, with a standstill in progress due to the ongoing controversy surrounding the relocation of traders to a temporary block. The Palayam Connemara Merchants and Labourers Association has raised concerns about unsanitary conditions and inadequate ventilation in the new facility, leading to a stalemate that has yet to be resolved.
Legal Battle Unfolds
The traders’ association took their grievances to the Kerala High Court, seeking a halt to the Corporation’s plan to move them to the rehabilitation block. Initially, the court issued an interim order on April 8, preventing the eviction of traders and the demolition of the old market structure. However, on April 10, the order was not extended as the Corporation claimed that the traders were being relocated to an air-conditioned building with superior amenities on the same premises. Contrary to this assertion, traders like J. Rejas, the association’s secretary, argue that the new building poses its own set of challenges.
Misleading Claims and Discontent
According to Rejas, the Corporation misrepresented the situation by stating that the traders would be shifted to a more comfortable setting. The reality, as described by Rejas, is far from ideal, with a waste dump nearby, cramped shop spaces, and inadequate ventilation despite the addition of a few exhaust fans. The traders’ concerns are compounded by the fact that the new building is expected to accommodate a large number of individuals, raising questions about safety and livability.
Corporation’s Response and Future Plans
In response to the traders’ objections, Corporation secretary S. Jahamgeer defended the relocation, emphasizing the significant investment made in the rehabilitation block. With ₹16 crore allocated for the construction, the new facility boasts essential features such as a sewage treatment plant, drainage systems, and fire safety measures, all absent in the old market. Jahamgeer reassured that the waste management issues are being addressed through biomining and organic waste converters, with plans for the traders to return to a fully redeveloped market upon completion of the project.
Financial Hurdles and Project Continuity
The uncertainty surrounding the traders’ relocation has not only created logistical challenges but also raised concerns about the funding for the ₹113-crore redevelopment initiative. With the Smart City project timeline expiring on March 31, 2025, potential delays in the market’s transformation could necessitate additional financial resources from the Corporation and the State government. Despite these obstacles, the redevelopment plans aim to preserve the historical significance of the market by retaining its iconic 19th-century arched gate while introducing modern amenities in a multi-floor complex.
As the stalemate persists, the fate of the Palayam Connemara Market hangs in the balance, with stakeholders on both sides advocating for their respective interests. The resolution of this impasse will not only shape the future of this historic market but also reflect the collaborative efforts required to balance progress with preservation in urban development projects.
