Despite repairs, APMC’s onion, potato market is a shambles

VASHI: Despite lakhs spent on renovating a section of Agricultural Produce and Marketing Committee ( APMC market), Vashi, three years ago, lack of maintenance by the administration has brought the market’s abysmal condition back to square one. Decrepit buildings, clogged gutters, overflowing sewage water, filthy toilets and damaged roads in the onion and potato section of the market greet visitors while workers in the area battle health risks on a constant basis.

In 2010, the APMC administration had spent Rs57,99,300 on road repair, Rs4,50,101 on underground drainage and Rs4,66,000 on drain pipe replacement.

Three years later, all the money seems to have gone down the drain as the condition of the market has deteriorated drastically.

Citing lack of maintenance by the administration, Krishnakant Mahadeo, a trader in the market, complained that sewage water flowing on the roads pose a health risk to those who work in and frequent the market. “The foul smell emanating from the sewage water causes severe inconvenience to us. Besides, the clogged gutters have become breeding ground for mosquitoes causing dengue and malaria,” he said.

Mahadeo added that the restrooms in all wings of the market lack cleanliness and are thus rendered useless while a tree hanging over the toilet in H wing can collapse on the wall any time. The places where trucks are loaded and unloaded are in ruins too, he added.

When questioned, RR Khiste, executive engineer, APMC, claimed that roads are in good condition.

For the problems in H and G lines, Khiste said that the repair works two years ago were carried out in all wings but the two in question. The traders are now criticising the APMC board of directors to have approved Rs125 crores on development works in the potato and onion section of the market even as basic facilities are not in place. The works include construction of agriculture building, export building and cold storage facility.

BACHCHAN KUMAR The APMC market is in dire need of renovation.