Dilapidated and shabby Parade vegetable market to be transformed on modern pattern into a hygienic, organised shopping hub under multi-crore redevelopment project by JSCL.
JAMMU: One of the oldest and busiest vegetable markets in Jammu’s old city at Parade is finally set for a long-awaited transformation, with the Jammu Smart City Limited (JSCL) and Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) initiating redevelopment of decades old crumbling vegetable market on modern lines under a prestigious multi-crore Smart City project.
The redevelopment plan is aimed to provide modern shop spaces, improved drainage and sanitation, better pedestrian movement, organised vending areas and overall cleaner appearance while retaining the market’s traditional importance-Dr. Devansh Yadav, CEO Jammu Smart City Limited..
On Sunday, the clearance drive, launched under the directions of JMC Commissioner Dr Devansh Yadav, is intended to pave the way for the immediate start of redevelopment works.
At the initial stage, the authorities chose to first dismantle hazardous structures that posed a risk of collapse and threats to life of buyers and sellers during heavy rainfall.
The move has been widely welcomed by residents and regular shoppers, many of whom said the market was in urgent need of renovation.
“The Parade Sabzi Mandi has remained an important commercial hub for residents of the old city, but its infrastructure had deteriorated badly. Narrow passages, damaged sheds, ageing shop structures and poor drainage had created an unhygienic environment, particularly during the rainy season, says Monika Khajuria, a regular visitors to the market.
“The Sabzi Mandi had become an eyesore despite being one of Jammu’s oldest markets. The buildings were crumbling, cleanliness was poor and the entire area looked shabby. A modern market will benefit both traders and customers,” said a resident of Purani Mandi.
Another regular shopper namely Radhey Sharma, said the redevelopment was overdue. “People come here every day to buy vegetables, but the existing surroundings gives it an impression of a disgusting uncivilized setup. Better hygiene and proper infrastructure were badly needed,” he said.
while criticizing those opposing the redevelopment plan of sabzi mandi, a shopkeeper on condition of anonymity asserted that once completed, the revamped Parade Sabzi Mandi is expected to emerge as a modern neighbourhood market for convenience of buyers and shopkeepers.