As an initiative to keep the Koyambedu Wholesale Market Complex clean and hygienic, the round-the-clock functioning place is likely to get shut for one day every month when cleaning activities shall take place. On the last Sunday of every month, all the 3,100 shops selling out fruits, vegetables and flowers will remain shut for carrying out the cleaning activities by the Market Management Committee.
The deputy chief minister O Panneerselvam, the Chairman of the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority has directed such an initiative to shut the market for one day in a month, say sources.
The daily load of garbage produced at KWMC is 150 tonnes. This is generally taken to the dumping yards, however it is imperative to clean up the interiors of the market as well. So, on this day when the market is shut, cleaning works shall take place. So far, the shutdown date is not finalized, but it would probably be the last Sunday of every month. Soon, a government order will be rolled out for the same.
Estimates from a 2012 study states that there are over 14,000 vehicles entering the market on a daily basis. In the past 5 years, it is likely that the total vehicle count would have increased by 5 percent.
The traders who make an average sale of fruits, flowers and veggies for about Rs 20 crore per day are likely to be subjected to a setback with this move.
Speaking about this, the president of Koyambedu Market Licensed Merchants Association, Mr S. Chandran said there is no point in shutting the market for the whole day. Every day, between 3pm and 10 pm, the market will be relatively free. Why can’t this time be used for cleaning, he questions. A few years ago, a similar initiative to shut the market for one full day led to litigation.