Shops Inundated by Up to 6 Feet of Water During Rains; Sheds Erected to Avert Losses Worth Lakhs
Many Traders State: “If the Market Committee Wants to Collect Rent, Let Them Do So”
Ranchi: The dispute surrounding alleged encroachments by traders at the Pandara Agricultural Produce Market Committee is steadily intensifying. A list of encroachments has already been compiled at the departmental level, and the matter has now reached the desk of senior officials. Amidst this situation, a team from M Bharat 24 News LIVE visited the market committee premises and went from shop to shop to hear the traders' side of the story.
Most traders reiterated a single sentiment: “We have no desire to encroach.” The traders assert that the sheds were erected out of sheer necessity—to provide protection against the scorching sun, heavy rains, and waterlogging. They allege that while the Market Committee diligently collects rent, it pays scant attention to providing basic amenities such as drainage systems and structural repairs.
Santosh Kumar Singh, a trader at shop K-115, stated that the shed was installed solely to shield against the sun and rain, and that it does not, in any way, obstruct the movement of traffic.
Ashok Kumar Poddar of shop L-2 remarked that he has absolutely no knowledge of any encroachment, nor has he received any official notice from the Market Committee regarding the matter.
Mukesh Kumar of shop P-4 pointed out that while smaller vehicles used to frequent the market in the past, trucks weighing up to 30 tons have now started arriving. Consequently, the existing shop spaces are proving to be too small to accommodate current operations. He added that if the government so desires, it is welcome to collect rent for the additional occupied space at the prevailing government-mandated rates.
Dhruv Kumar Chaurasia of shop AS-1 explained that his shop was originally allotted to him back in 1984. He noted that while business volume was relatively low in the early days, the current volume of trade has rendered the available space insufficient. He affirmed that he would promptly remove the shed the moment he receives an official order to do so.
Pankaj Chaudhary of AS-2 stated that the shed was erected solely to provide protection against the sun and rain.
Ashok Kumar Chaudhary of shop AS-3 asked, “If we do not have a shed, where are we supposed to sit? We installed it simply to protect ourselves from the sun and rain. We are even willing to pay rent for this additional space.”
Akash Lohia of shop AS-8 leveled serious allegations against the Market Committee, asserting that despite regularly collecting rent from the traders, the committee fails to carry out necessary repair and maintenance work on the premises. Despite submitting applications for repair permits, no response is received, and every year during the monsoon season, goods worth lakhs are ruined.
Vinod Kumar Chaudhary of AS-9 also stated that the shed was erected solely to provide protection against the sun and rain.
Meanwhile, Mahendra Kumar Jain of AS-14 mentioned that during the rains, water floods the interior of his shop, rising up to six feet. The shed was installed specifically to safeguard commodities such as rice, lentils, and flour. He remarked, "We are compelled to suffer losses every year; we have no desire to engage in encroachment."
During the inspection, shopkeepers at several establishments—despite being present themselves—attempted to evade answering questions by claiming to be mere staff members. Furthermore, it was not possible to meet with many other shopkeepers.
