GUWAHATI: Assam state unit of All India Professionals’ Congress (AIPC) is deeply concerned about recent developments in Fancy Bazar, one of the largest commercial trade centres in the Northeast.
On October 1, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated a sprawling Botanical Garden. The garden, spread across an expansive 36 bighas of land, including 2.58 acres of water bodies, is located at the site of the former Guwahati Central Jail in the city’s Fancy Bazar locality.
While the concept of a botanical garden is undoubtedly commendable, Assam AIPC president Gauravv Somani said that the location chosen for this development poses a significant threat to the commercial market value and overall importance of Fancy Bazar.
“We suggest that the jail complex land could have been better utilized for maintaining the commercial value of Fancy Bazar. Constructing a complex with 500 to 700 small shops would have not only preserved its market status but also provided numerous opportunities for local businesses. If we can have Chandni Chowk in Delhi, Bara Bazar in Kolkata, Mina Bazar in Dubai what the harm in having Fancy Bazar in Guwahati with its commercial importance in existence,” Somani said in a statement here on Tuesday.
“Fancy Bazar currently grapples with severe traffic congestion and parking issues. Instead of focusing solely on imposing fines for violations, the government should prioritize road expansion around the jail complex on its three sides facing roads, offering a more long-term solution to these problems. Additionally, a multi-level parking facility for 3000 to 5000 vehicles would have greatly benefited the area,” Somani said.
“The government’s plan to shift the entire wholesale market from Fancy Bazar Galla Patty to Amingaon is a cause for concern. This move may lead to problems with syndicates during loading and unloading, disrupting the livelihoods of local businessmen and complete removal of commercial activity in the area,” Somani also said.
“We urge the government to address fundamental issues such as proper garbage collection, regulated public toilets, drinking water facilities, and the recent rise in Rat infestations, which pose health hazards to the people of Fancy Bazar,” he said.
He said even If the government intended to create a garden and park for local residents, it could have allocated a smaller portion of the land. The majority of the land should have been dedicated to addressing the pressing issues of parking, road congestion, and market expansion keeping in view the significance of its commercial existence.
“The AIPC believes that development should be inclusive and beneficial to all stakeholders. We call upon the government to engage in a more holistic approach that preserves the vibrant spirit of Fancy Bazar while addressing the pressing issues facing the a
rea,” he added.
