Herald: You are aware that the municipality has decided to remove the encroachments in the New Market?
Vinod Shirodkar: Traders have already cleared the passages in the New Market. The passages are open for the free movement of the customers visiting the market. We were told by the market inspectors to remove the encroachments and the traders have complied with the instructions.
Herald: But, the Chief Officer is on record saying that the civic body would carry out a drive in the market.
VS: The Chief Officer should understand that the New Market is a market and not a footpath. Any market all over the country will witness hustle and bustle and the New Market is not an exception. Our New Market is a wholesale market where people come from across the State for shopping. We have already cleaned the passages and let the Chief Officer come and tell us what is illegal.
Herald: You have raised the issue of builders violating the building norms with impunity. Why?
VS: Before the Chief Officer zeroes in on the markets, the traders would like to know why he is going slow on the builders who have been violating the parking norms with impunity. Parking areas have been converted into shopping area by the builders. We have cited instances of how big business establishments are operating without parking provision. Is the Chief Officer only going after the poor traders and leaving the builders scot free? Let the Chief Officer come to the market and we will show him the buildings which have violated the parking norms.
