Pics by : Jeevan Dcosta
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (NP/JD)
Udupi, Jun 19: The bustling city of Udupi is facing a critical issue with its daily vegetable market, located near the old KSRTC bus stand, which is currently in a state of disrepair, lacking essential amenities.
The Vishweshwarayya daily market has become a daily struggle for its customers and shopkeepers alike. Shop owners are compelled to seek alternatives, relying on generators and solar power amidst the pervasive darkness due to unreliable electricity supply. They bear these expenses out of pocket, highlighting the market's dire need for basic infrastructure support.
Mohammad Naiz, a seasoned shopkeeper of 26 years, lamented, "No basic facilities are provided by the municipal authorities. Despite changing administrations, promises made during elections seem to vanish once votes are cast. Politicians come and go, but no one cares about our problems. We submit complaints regularly, but no action is taken. There is no water supply, no power supply, and no proper pathways."
The market's challenges extend beyond infrastructure. During the rainy season, the area turns into a muddy mess, exacerbating safety concerns with uneven terrain that has caused injuries among residents and vendors alike.
The Udupi City Municipality has proposed rebuilding the market under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model in recent budgets, aiming to address not only the market's structural issues but also the city's parking woes. However, these plans have yet to materialize, leaving the market's 35 shopkeepers and additional street vendors disillusioned.
"As complaints continue to fall on deaf ears, the market's plight serves as a stark reminder of governmental neglect and its impact on local communities," remarked Naiz.
Residents and shopkeepers, resilient yet frustrated, demand immediate attention to their basic needs to restore safety and vitality to our market.