Lack of basic amenities plagues weekly market

Metro India News | CHERIYAL

The weekly market held every Tuesday in Cheriyal Municipality has become a hub of civic problems, with inadequate infrastructure causing severe inconvenience to thousands of visitors. The market attracts people from nearly 20 surrounding villages, but the absence of basic amenities has left farmers, traders, and consumers struggling with unhygienic and unsafe conditions. Visitors are forced to wade through muddy roads and stagnant sewage water while shopping due to the lack of a proper drainage system.

Foul odour from accumulated wastewater and garbage has become a major concern for both traders and customers. Residents said heaps of waste, coupled with the increasing presence of mosquitoes and flies, pose a serious threat to public health. With no designated parking facility, vehicles are parked along the roads, while autorickshaws and fruit carts occupy public spaces indiscriminately, leading to frequent traffic jams. Encroachment of footpaths has further forced pedestrians to walk on the busy main road, putting their safety at risk.

Locals alleged that the National Highway works have been progressing at a snail's pace for the past three years, testing the patience of residents and traders alike. The absence of street lighting has left the market in darkness after sunset, affecting small businesses and causing difficulties for women, senior citizens, and students. Residents expressed disappointment that repeated representations to the authorities seeking solutions to these long-pending issues have failed to yield any concrete action. They have demanded that the concerned departments modernize the Cheriyal weekly market by providing essential infrastructure Including improved sanitation, an efficient drainage system, adequate parking facilities and proper street lighting.

Responding to the concerns, a local official acknowledged that the area has a low-level drainage issue. The official mention that plans have been prepared to raise the road level and construct drains on both sides to facilitate the smooth flow of sewage and rainwater. Action would also be taken against those encroaching on footpaths and also new central lighting would be installed soon to eliminate darkness in the town, Municipal Commissioner Nagendar assured.