Cracks in Nagpur's Mominpura market complex raise fears of major accident
Traders say the NMC-built market has gone without repair or repainting for nearly 30 years, with deep cracks in its stairs and walls
In the heart of Nagpur city, in a major market area like Mominpura, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation's market complex on the main road has fallen into complete disrepair. The area is considered one of the most important for the city's trade, and this is its only market complex, but its condition today alarms everyone who sees it.
Deep cracks have appeared in the complex's stairs and walls. Traders who set up shop here daily and customers who come to buy goods both feel that a major accident could happen at any time. According to information received, the market complex was built by the municipal administration in 1994.
Since then, over roughly 30 years, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation administration has never looked after this building. The building has not been repainted even once in all this time, let alone maintained. It is not just the municipal administration; elected representatives here have been equally indifferent on this matter.
The area brings the corporation substantial revenue, yet neither has the administration ever paid attention to its development and safety, nor have local elected representatives ever inquired about it. Traders say they pay regular taxes and fees, but in return have received only neglect in the name of facilities and safety.
Social worker Haji Ashfaq Patel said local traders have repeatedly demanded that Municipal Commissioner Dr Vipin Itankar and the administration carry out repair and repainting of the complex, but the administration has paid no attention so far. He said a technical survey of the market complex should be conducted immediately and repair and renovation carried out as soon as possible.
Cloth shop owner Kaleem Ahmed said he has been running his shop here for several years and is constantly afraid of a major accident on seeing the cracks. He said customers are also reluctant to go up to the upper floor, and that the corporation should carry out repairs immediately, which would also improve business at the market.
Shopkeeper Abdul Ghaffar said the Mominpura market complex has been a major commercial building in central Nagpur, but it has been continuously neglected since it was built. Since construction in 1994, it has not been repainted or repaired even once. He said there are no facilities to speak of in the complex today, with disrepair visible all around.
Local resident Zulfeqar Ahmed Shanu said big promises are made at election time, but no one talks about improving the condition of this market complex. During the rains, water leaks from the roof and the stairs have become completely dilapidated. He said a major accident could occur if repairs are not carried out soon, yet both the municipal administration and elected representatives remain unaware of this dangerous condition.
