CONGRESS DEMAND: Permit traditional eatery shops, remove illegal once- Amit Chaurasia

Congress and traders raised their voice demanding to save the security and cultural heritage of Indore’s Sarafa Chowpatty…

Indore (Team Newsbuddy) – The famous Sarafa Bazar of Indore, the commercial capital of Madhya Pradesh, is known in the country and abroad for its cultural richness, traditional taste and business strength. But in this historic market area, a situation of security crisis and heavy damage to cultural heritage has arisen due to illegal chaat-namkeen shops set up in the open called Sarafa Chowpatty.

Supporting the Sarafa traders, the Congress has expressed deep concern over the lax action of the Municipal Corporation and not taking strict action against these illegal shopkeepers. This chowpatty is set up in open spaces and narrow lanes, where gold and silver trade also takes place in which dangerous materials like acid and gas are used. Due to political patronage, illegal shopkeepers have occupied Sarafa Chowpatty in a big way under the cover of traditional shops which have been set up for years, due to which the danger of arson and accident looms in Sarafa market. Regarding which a committee was also formed by Indore Municipal Corporation 2 years ago, but that committee also remained a formal committee, on which no decision has come out till now. Even then there was constant opposition to the fact that shopkeepers who have illegally entered the traditional chowpatty which has been set up for years should be thrown out so that the ancient glory of Sarafa Chowpatty remains intact, but when illegal shopkeepers are being encouraged under the protection of BJP itself. Then the question is bound to arise that how will the ancient glory and cultural heritage of Sarafa Chowpatty remain safe?

Congress has launched a big attack on the Municipal Corporation regarding the chaos and security crisis of Sarafa Chowpatty. Congress state spokesperson Amit Chaurasia said that “Sarafa Bazar is not only a business center but also a cultural heritage of Indore. Traditionally 80 shopkeepers have been doing business here for years, who should have been identified and given permission and those who set up shops illegally should have been thrown out, but due to the negligence of BJP’s corporation council, today the Chowpatty in Sarafa Bazar is in trouble. What has not happened in years is happening now. The traders dealing in gold, silver and jewellery and the traders of the night’s chaat Chowpatty have come face to face. Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava should answer who is responsible for the dispute arising on the city’s cultural heritage that has been going on for years and has given recognition to Indore all over the world.

The Congress said that it is necessary to maintain the traditional valuable heritage of Sarafa Bazar in this major business area. The expansion of Chowpatty in an illegal and improper manner not only affects the traders but also tarnishes the cultural identity of Indore.

The Sarafa traders say that if shops have to be set up in Chowpatty, then only they should do it. Permission should be given to those who have been doing business for years, including more than 70 shopkeepers. Only they should be given permission or all should be removed. In view of such disputes and inconveniences, the Municipal Corporation should immediately improve the cleanliness, security and planning of the Sarafa area.

State Congress spokesperson Amit Chaurasia says…

“Indore’s Sarafa market is not just a business center, but a cultural and historical heritage of the city. Here traditionally about 80 shopkeepers have been making their identity for years, they should be identified and given permission. This system will work to preserve both the ancient culture and heritage of the city. At the same time, those who are doing business by setting up shops here illegally should be thrown out. The Municipal Corporation should take fair and concrete steps to preserve the Sarafa tradition.