BANGALORE: Vendors at Russell Market, who have collected money to renovate their gutted shops are now shocked. BBMP’s Special Commissioner (Projects), has directed them to stop repair works at the market, and vacate their shops until the civic body completes the entire renovation work.However, the vendors have proceeded with the repair works.They told Express, “Ninety per cent of the repair works have been completed. Why should we vacate our shops now? We will obtain a fitness certificate and reopen the stalls before Sunday.”The BBMP Special Commissioner has sent a notice stating the building is not fit for any kind of business activity and has warned the vendors that they would be held responsible if any untoward incident occurs during the work. However, the traders claimed that their day-to-day livelihood is at stake and they cannot wait for the government’s intervention to renovate the dilapidated structure.“We don’t want to antagonise the civic body, and we cannot afford to give up on our daily profits. Nearly 150 workers were engaged day-and-night to complete the renovation. We are not bothered about the notice,” said Mohammed Idris Chowdry, General Secretary, Russell Market Traders’ Association. He said police have asked them to suspend the work.Meanwhile, BBMP’s Special Commissioner (Projects) K R Niranjan maintained that the matter was very sensitive. “We have asked experts to look at the copy of fitness certificate and the project before taking any decision,” he said.
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