After ridding K.R. Market of illegal structures, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) on Saturday undertook a similar drive in and around Russell Market.

The civic body decided to take up this drive after the High Court of Karnataka pulled it up for serious fire safety lapses. It also created a parking-free zone around the market, which shopkeepers opposed.

Several structures, encroachments and shutters which were not in accordance with the original plan were removed. The fire department is yet to issue a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) for Russell Market, without which the market will be forced to shut down. “We want to ensure there is a proper sewage system, no garbage, and proper drinking facilities for the public. We want to create conditions for a pleasant experience and a healthy environment in Russell Market,” said S.G. Raveendra, BBMP Special Commissioner for Markets, Estates and Education.

The encroachment drive was initially restricted to the market area, but was then extended to other roads in the vicinity such as Broadway Road and Narona Road. Hashmat Ulla, the owner of a small eatery and tea shop on Chandini Chowk Road, was distraught as a part of his store was demolished without prior notice. “We didn’t know about [the drive]. We thought it was for the market section only. Regardless, the steps constructed were for the public’s benefit and on our land,” he said.

In February 2012, more than 170 shops were destroyed in a major fire at Russell Market. At present, there are 481 shops in the market, but according to traders the BBMP is yet to put a fire safety system in place. Although K.R. Market and Russell Market are proposed to be redeveloped under the Smart City project, the project is mired in legal controversy as shop allottees have sued the civic authority over loss of livelihood.

Problem of parking

Meanwhile, various trade associations in and around Russell Market threatened to close down the market and protest if the problem of parking is not resolved by the authorities. Only fire engines and ambulances are allowed in a 4.5-metre radius around the market. Mr. Raveendra said this had been done to facilitate easy access to fire extinguishers.

Mr. Raveendra also said that unauthorised shops would be fined ₹500 or ₹1,000 depending on the area they occupy. Five fish stalls in the market were demolished as they were not in accordance with the original structure plan.

Naseer Ahmed, president of the Russell Market Vegetable and Flower Association, said paid parking was an alternative but was unheard of. Multiple vendors told The Hindu that parking at the market has been a facility since colonial times and is imperative to the sale of perishable goods. They said that if the decision is not reversed, it would lead to the market’s shutdown.