Complex planned for VOC hawkers

The Coimbatore Corporation plans to relocate all hawkers who have encroached on the area opposite the VOC Grounds, with small stalls, push carts and chicken shops.

The civic body plans to build a shopping complex in an open ground opposite the gate and shift the hawkers into it. The corporation officials said it would be easier for them to monitor the food quality and decongest the entry to the park.

A resolution regarding this plan would be presented before the council on Friday.

The civic body officials said that a recent food inspection had found most food samples sold by these stalls and chicken shops to be unhygienic.

Also, many hawkers have set up stalls selling jewellery, food items and souvenirs, which obstruct movement of commuters and visitors.

The resolution stated that the civic body has already surveyed shops in and around the area. "There are currently 56 shops in the area," it said. "While stalls on the road pay a rent of 3,000 each, the push carts pay 5,000 and chicken shops pay 10,000 as rent," it said.

A civic body official said the new building would come up opposite the VOC Park. It would have the provision for 36 shops, measuring 10ft x 10ft.

The corporation would hold an auction to lease these shops. However, the land identified for the construction of the building has been marked only for the establishment of a park or open space. "The permission to convert this park land for the construction of the commercial complex will also be placed before the council," said an official. He added that it will be named 'Eat Streets'.

However, many hawker and shopkeepers have already voiced their opposition to the corporation's plan to shift them.

"Most of our customers are ones who stop by the shop while walking down the street. So I'm apprehensive about moving as I don't think they'd make the effort to come inside a building to purchase my products," said B Venu, a shop-keeper.

Senior Forest Dept Official, Including Coimbatore Forest Range Officer, Injured in Road Accident

TNFA Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Radhakrishnan and Coimbatore Forest Range Officer V. Thirumurugan sustained...

10 Kg of Narcotic Substance Seized Near Sungam in Coimbatore; Two Arrested

Coimbatore City Prohibition Enforcement Wing police seized 10 kg of ganja near Sungam Roundana and arrested two persons...

Coimbatore Corporation Public Grievance Meeting Receives 54 Petitions from Residents

A public grievance meeting was held at Coimbatore Corporation head office under Mayor Ka. Ranganayaki Ramachandran's lea...

Thirumoorthy Dam Water Level Rises to 55.46 Feet in Udumalaipettai

Thirumoorthy Dam near Udumalaipettai in Tiruppur district recorded a water level of 55.46 feet as of May 26. The dam is...

Amaravathi Dam Water Level Rises to 30.25 Feet

The water level at Amaravathi Dam in Tirupur district has risen to 30.25 feet due to continuous inflow. The dam is recei...

Amaravathi Dam Water Level Rises to 30.25 Feet

The water level at Amaravathi Dam in Tirupur district has risen to 30.25 feet due to continuous inflow. The dam is recei...