Is Johnson market a slum?

Is Johnson market a slum?
By Fathima Sumaya Khan,DHNS,Bangalore:

Disgusting, pathetic, horrible. How else could one describe Johnson Market? The market is not meant for sale of vegetables, fruits, flowers and meat alone. In the absence of proper supervision and security it also serves as a shelter for the poor and their pets. Whether it is hens or goats. A one stop destination for the harmonious existence of all creatures (pun intended). One can’t help but wonder whether Johnson Market is actually a market or a slum.

A market housed in a heritage building which is over eighty years old is dogged by poor maintenance and apathy by BBMP. The external appearance of the market is uninviting.

The once white coloured building has turned black with fungus. Piles of garbage is strewn around. Rain water trickling down from the terrace through pipes is designed in such a way that it pours on the heads of passers by.

Interiors

Vehicles parked in the veranda of the market obstruct the movement of customers. The inside of the market is dark and unpleasant. Vagabonds with their paraphernalia are seen begging for money each time they see a visitor. The walkway is broken and cratered. The ceiling is full of spider webs. Some shops which have been shut down for years act as breeding grounds for insects and rodents.

Vendors’ grievance

“Each time it rains the roofs leak and floods the entire market. This has been happening since twelve years. Our stocks have got damaged on several occasions. The BBMP officials who come here for inspection make false promises and go away,” complained Sameer a vegetable merchant.

“The underground drainage system of this market is old. Its completely blocked. Toilets cannot be used because of this,” said Kumar a fruit merchant. “Drinking water is not available in the market. It is very inconvenient for us to fetch large quantities of water to clean meat every day.

Apart from this there is inadequate lighting facility in the corridors. Due to absence of parking space for visitors our business suffers,” mourned Zia, a meat seller.

The BBMP is planning to upgrade Johnson Market shortly. Work will begin in a phased manner by means of build-operate-maintain-transfer (BOMT) scheme under public private partnership. The Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagar Palike will not invest any funds in this regard, said Mandanna, Deputy Commissioner Markets, BBMP.
(Vendors names have been changed on request)