Coimbatore : To facilitate construction of the ongoing Ukkadam flyover, several residential and commercial spaces in and around the area are relocated. Next in line for relocation is the Ukkadam's Dhobi Khana and the iconic fish market.
Coimbatore : To facilitate construction of the ongoing Ukkadam flyover, several residential and commercial spaces in and around the area are relocated. Next in line for relocation is the Ukkadam's Dhobi Khana and the iconic fish market.
The Dhobi Khana in Ukkadam was established in 1953 during the then Chief Minister K. Kamarajar's regime. It houses about 32 families who have been residing there for several decades. According to reliable sources, soon these residents, mostly washermen will be relocated to the housing units under construction by the Tamil Nadu Slum Clearance Board (TNSCB) at Pullukadu, here.
According to the project plan, one of the ramps proposed for the Ukkadam flyover is to be constructed at the space where Dhobi Khana is currently located. The ramp can be used by vehicles to reach the Perur bypass road or for using the Palakkad main road.
Meanwhile, the retail Fish Market situated adjacent to Dhobi Khana will be demolished to construct a six-storey building to accommodate nearly 800 Also, CCMC has planned to relocate the entire fish market to the Pullukadu area. However, the decision by CCMC to relocate has not pleased the retailers and wholesalers in the fish market.
H.S. Bawa, President, Wholesale Association, Ukkadam fish market stated that this move to relocate the retail fish market to Pullukadu will affect the business.
"Moreover, the retail market on the roadside in Pullukadu will affect public to a large extent. Pullukadu itself has about 1000 families in the new housing board. And, people going to Al Ameen Colony and neighbouring residential colonies will mostly take this route. During peak hours, there will be hundreds of children going to school and people going to work. Roadside fish stalls will definitely pose a big problem for commuters", he opined.
He also alleged stated that if the Corporation can allot a separate place for retailers, it would benefit both traders and public.