Upa Lokayukta Justice Subhash B Adi visited K R Market on Thursday in the wake of complaints that several vacant spots at the remodelled market area have been converted into shops.
He said that as many as 21 such shops were identified during the visit. A Fire and Emergency official, who was present, told Upa Lokayukta that a report on the lack of fire safety was submitted to the BBMP, but no action has been taken.
There was heavy deployment of police at the market since there were reports that some of the traders, who own illegally allotted shops, would create law and order situation during Justice Adis visit.
BBMP Commissioner Lakshminarayana and other officials, who were present at the spot, gave oral undertaking to take immediate action against the illegal shops.
"The situation at the remodelled market is pathetic. The Fire Department official said the report submitted by him has not been taken seriously. No fire engine can reach the remodelled market area in case of emergency. Even the fire extinguishers at the market are not in working condition. Most of the traders and people complained that the market area was cleaned only in the wake of my visit," Justice Adi said.
Upa Lokayukta has found that 21 shops have been allotted space in the open area meant for fire safety, garbage dumping and other ventilation.
A few traders filed a complaint to Upa Lokayukta stating that the Commissioner Lakshminarayana himself had endorsed a few illegal shops in the remodelled market area. They said the procedure of issuing licence and allotment of shops were not only illegal, but also contrary to Transparency Act.
Justice Adi said he will prepare a detailed report on the illegal allotment of shops and direct the BBMP to take action.
http://www.deccanherald.com/content/472141/upa-lokayukta-finds-21-illegal.html
