Gates and Sheds Installed for Security and Business Protection; Traders Raise Objections After Being Accused of Encroachment
Ranchi: Amidst ongoing discussions regarding alleged encroachment at the Pandara Agricultural Produce Market Committee, several traders have asserted that the channel gates, shutters, doors, and sheds they have installed were not put up for the purpose of encroachment, but rather to ensure security and to protect their merchandise from the sun and rain.
The traders explain that the market committee complex was constructed with assistance from the World Bank and was handed over to the Government of Bihar in 1992. At that time, in exchange for a service fee, facilities such as water, electricity, sanitation, and maintenance were provided within the market. Even after the formation of Jharkhand, market fees continued to be collected; however, following the abolition of these fees in 2014, the market committee's financial position weakened, and its maintenance infrastructure suffered as a result.
According to the traders, the lack of security and basic amenities within the market premises has progressively worsened over time. In light of frequent incidents of theft and the risk of damage caused by rain, many shopkeepers took it upon themselves to implement their own security and protective measures.
Meera Devi, a shopkeeper at stall T-83, stated that theft is a frequent occurrence within the market. For this reason, she has installed a channel gate in the veranda to ensure the safety of her shop and merchandise.
The shopkeepers at stalls T-84 and T-85 could not be reached for comment.
Ashok Kumar, the shopkeeper at stall T-86, noted that during the rainy season, there is a significant risk of merchandise being damaged by water. It was for this specific reason that he installed a shed.
The shopkeeper at stall T-87 explained that his shop is small and deals in perishable food items. He stated that temporary gates, doors, and shelters were installed solely to protect against rain and theft. He added that incidents involving the theft of onions and other goods left out in the open occur frequently.
The shopkeeper at stall T-88 declined to offer any comments regarding the matter.
The shopkeeper at stall T-89 mentioned that a channel gate was installed to provide protection against the sun and rain, while a shutter was also installed to enhance security in view of the recurring incidents of theft.
Santosh Kumar of stall T-90 stated that he deals in raw produce. A shed has been erected outdoors to provide protection from the rain. They state that during heavy downpours, if their merchandise gets soaked, it has to be discarded, resulting in financial losses.
The traders argue that the structures being labeled as encroachments were, in reality, constructed with the specific needs of security, storage, and weather protection in mind. They maintain that they were compelled to make these arrangements themselves due to the lack of adequate facilities and maintenance within the market committee premises.
