Aynavaram market building unused by vendors

Chennai: A building has been constructed by the Greater Chennai Corporation to accomm-odate the Aynavaram market vendors but they continue to occupy roads with their stalls, thereby causing severe traffic snarls during peak hours.

With the road being a connective stretch to at least five hospitals and numerous schools, residents are put to hardship.

“There are about 120 shops along the lane other than hospitals and shops. The market, which is located near MKN Nagar, is a nightmare for motorists during mornings and late evenings,” said K. Ravichandran, one of the motorists.

S. Shanthi, headmistress, Chennai corporation primary school, said at least 300 students of 1,000 take leave citing choking traffic as a reason. “Numerous complaints have been filed, but none of them addressed.”

On the other hand, the market vendors say the four-storied building that corporation officials built for them is inconvenient for consumers.

“The building is planned in such a way that the fish market is placed on the ground floor and the flower market, on the fourth floor. The complete area stinks because of the stench from the fish market,” said Govindhamma, 60, a flower seller in Ayanavaram market for over four decades.

She further added while fish market is the primary problem; another major issue is that nobody would consider climbing three to four floors to buy vegetables and flowers.

“Also, the stalls must be at least seven inches wide to stock the produce and sell it. The shops that the corporation built are not even half the size,” said another vendor at the market.

When contacted, an official from the corporation said they would soon hold talks with the market vendors and resident associations to find a feasible solution for both.