Russell Market traders ready to bear their cross

BANGALORE: A day after Russell Market reopened for business, traders are looking forward to the good old days. Russell Market Traders' Association president Naseer Ahmed is not very concerned that the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has washed its hands of the market, and is refusing to certify the structure's safety. He also rubbished outgoing deputy mayor N Harish's ideas of converting it into a mall.
Q With BBMP out of the picture, what next? How will you ensure the building is safe?
A We had roped in government licensed contractors to rebuild the burnt shops and renovate the market. They created partitions for many shops to avert the spread of fire. Bescom changed the electrical wiring for the entire market and we spent Rs 4 lakh for the electrical renovation. These authorities have given us fitness certificates. Despite this, if there is any accident, we will take the blame and not blame BBMP. It is a heritage structure and BBMP should value it and not raze it, as the deputy mayor suggested some time ago.
Q Is it an ego issue between you and the BBMP which resulted in the controversy? What is the solution to this?
A Yes, they have ego issues with us. We had no authority to renovate their property. But when we took pains to repair and renovate the market, why should they be angry with us and decide overnight that the building is no longer safe and the no-objection certificate should not be given? We did not burden the cash-strapped BBMP to spend on the market. Ideally, they should support us for our initiative.
Q Do you think the CM is behind you? If so, why didn't a single government official turn up for the inauguration?
A The chief minister took a rather bold stand in calling up BBMP commissioner MK Shankarlinge Gowda right in front of us when we went to meet him last Friday. He told the commissioner to sit with him and us (traders) after three months and discuss feasible ideas. He has been very supportive, and the local MLA and corporators have extended a lot of help. The MLA has been mobilizing workers to clear space around the market for parking.
Q Were you involved in talks with the BBMP on converting it into a mall?
It was outgoing deputy mayor Harish's idea of razing the heritage building and constructing a shopping complex, which is impossible. They cannot have underground parking facility because they will hit water three feet below the surface. There is an SC order too, that heritage markets should be kept intact. If they have parking facility, and charge around Rs25, who will come and buy vegetables? We will lose our livelihood. There are 478 shop owners and the market employs about 3,000 people; nearly 15,000 people will be affected.