Hubli
The multi-utility market in Unkal, which has been constructed under the Smart City project, is lying unused. The market was under construction for the last two years. Some projects are not available for public use even after the work is completed and handed over, and are becoming havens for illegal activities.
The market building was handed over to Hubli-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC). Following this, the HDMC officials, who were supposed to allot space to the street vendors to do business, have been delaying the process. Also, the construction of CC road next to the market and drainage work have been delayed and need to be completed. The Unkal market can house 100 vendors. However, the HDMC has not taken any action in this regard.
According to sources, the market has been built at a cost of Rs 1.5 crore. It is designed for multi-use. The market place is being utilised only on Saturdays but it was designed for commercial use, including staging of plays, music programmes, birthday celebrations etc. However, the market remains unused and is sheltering drunkards and miscreants at night. Empty bottles and garbage litter the market building and the area surrounding it. HDMC Zone 5 Assistant Commissioner F Ingalagi told that the work on CC road next to Unkal market is under progress and the work will be completed within a week. Later, a list of street vendors will be prepared under the leadership of the HDMC Commissioner and the market will start functioning. The constructed market will be inaugurated by elected representatives soon, he added.
