Karwar: Opposing the demolition of old CMC market, the vendors staged protest at MG Market in Karwar on Friday.

According to the sources, when the officials of Karwar City Muncipal Council (CMC) turned up to demolish the market, the vendors gathered largely opposing the demolition.  They demanded to provide alternative shops to continue their business.

When CMC in-charge commissioner K M Mohanraj and other staff visited the spot, the vendors took officers to task. There was verbal duel for nearly two hours, during which the situation turned tense.

According to CMC, they are planning to construct a new building with all basic facilities to run fish market and other businesses in this area. It has set aside Rs 8 crore fund for the purpose.

As part of its plan, the CMC wants to demolish the present market, which is on the verge of collapse. But, the vendors were asking for the alternative shops before demolishing the market. When Karwar town PSI Kusumadhar warned the vendors that if anyone tries to disrupt the drive, he will file cases against them, the vendors said they were not against the development, but want an alternative arrangement till new building is constructed.

The vendors also demanded the officials to assure them that they would be provided alternative facility and allotted shops in the new building. In reply, Mohanraj said the new building would be a property of the CMC. As the lease period of the present vendors have been completed, it is not possible to assure them of allotting shops in the new building. However, he assured of making alternative arrangements to do business till the construction of new building is completed.

Mohanraj said 19 gunta land is available opposite KEB office and the CMC will make temporary arrangements there. Power supply and water connections will be provided, but it is not possible to construct sheds there.