Borivli traders agitated over rebuilding plan

MUMBAI, June 4: The proposed redevelopment of the municipal market at Borivli (W) has come in for severe criticism by the traders’ union, Borivli Municipal Market Vyapari Seva Sangh (BMMVSS). President of the BMMVSS Ashok Sutrale said they were opposed to the redevelopment as it would affect the business of the 500-odd businessmen who have their stalls in the market.

Advocate for the organisation V Kuralkar alleged that the corporation was redeveloping the market in the interest of a private builder. According to him, the shop-keepers were not told about the plan by the corporation. They came to know of it only when a shop-keeper received a notice informing him that the present structure will be demolished to make way for a new one. The notice said the licensees would be given temporary accommodation if possible on the same spot or a suitable alternative. However, the alternate spot has not been identified by the corporation, said Kuralkar.

The reason given for demolishing the present structure was to provide parking at the basement of the building. Interestingly the builder who has been given the contract for the redevelopment, was also granted permission to construct three additional floors for commercial purposes.