GK-2 Main M Block Market has emerged as one of the most happening destinations in town for shoppers and merrymakers in recent times. This beautiful and aesthetically appealing address beckons people from far and wide. But, as they say, the good and the bad go hand in hand. A lot has been written in these columns about the shortcomings in the market that could lead to eroding its sheen unless these are fixed at the earliest. GKIIWA too, has recently brought some of these eyesores to the attention of the GKII Traders Welfare Association for undertaking necessary remedial measures. As per this letter, of which Samvada has a copy, the following deficiencies need urgent focus.
1. Encroachment – The shopkeepers have blatantly encroached upon public space at several places by carrying out unauthorized extension to their premises. In one such instance, an illegal spiral staircase has been erected behind a shop, which has taken away about six feet of the pedestrian pathway in the backlane. Not just this, several shops have placed reception desks, flowerpots and other sundry items in the front passage which restricts the space for pedestrian movement almost throughout the market
2. Grease Traps – Several restaurants and salons have defective grease traps that leads to build up of dirt and muck at several places in the market
3. Overflowing water tanks that damage the road surface. Additionally, leaking sewage pipes at a few spots add to the filth and stench that spoil the experience of the visitors to the market
4. Inadequate signage – There is a need to provide Entry and Exit signboards in at least three prominent locations to guide the visitors. These locations are at the intersection of the various roads near the market entrance, in the middle lane, and at the rear end of the market
5. Haphazard Parking – The number of lanes in which the vehicles are parked inside the market complex must be restricted to a maximum of two in order to leave sufficient road space to allow free vehicular movement.
We hope urgent corrective actions will be deployed on these areas in order to enhance the image of the market befitting its status.
