Jadubabu Bazaar set for a facelift

Kolkata: Jadubabu Bazaar in Bhowanipore is set to have a facelift with the initiative of local councillor Asim Bose and the association of the shop owners, whom the councillor has managed to bring together.

“The bazaar that is as old as 175 years has hardly witnessed any change over the years though it continues to be one of the most popular bazaars in south Kolkata. The filth and the stench, lack of drinking water and toilet facilities are simply an eye sore. However, the ball has been set rolling and gradually, the bazaar will have a facelift,” Mr. Bose said.

A pay-and-use toilet is being constructed and an underground reservoir with a capacity of 1500 gallon is being built for drinking water as well as for emergency use if there is a fire. The bazaar is prone to fire hazards with electrical wires dangling at places.

“The fire safety aspect and the sewerage need an overhaul. There are a total of 500 shops in the bazaar and as many as 150 shopkeepers take shelter at the place at night. Their safety is my responsibility. I have already spoken to fire minister and mayor Sovan Chatterjee about this,” Mr Bose said.

The job of kicking off the facelift process was tough, as the bazaar is owned by as many as 45 people who are all descendants of the Rani Rashmoni family. Mr. Bose However pressurized the owners through the bazaar association and sought permission in some areas to undertake the renovation. “They have been hiking rents almost every year. But prodded by Mr Bose, we have communicated to the owners that they have to provide us with the basic infrastructure, otherwise we will not pay any extra rent. The owners have agreed,” a close aide of the councillor said.