Opened on Dec 13, 2010, Keithel garbage keeps pace
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 05 2011:
Yet again, piles of wastes have surfaced at almost every available space in the three newly built double-storey market complexes of Khwairamband Keithel even as women vendors with valid licenses are being alloted their plots since January 4 .
Only a day after officially shifting to the new market complexes waste materials could be seen dumped all along the alleys while officials of Imphal Municipal Council (IMC) were spotted at some specific locations to authenticate licenses furnished by women vendors to claim their place.
Waste materials outstandingly evident include the universally banned environment hazard plastic carry-bags and sheets as well as discarded vegetables.
A woman vendor conceded that the wastes were piled up since yesterday as the IMC authorities are yet to take pro-active steps such as every cleaning or placing dust bins at the market sheds.
While accepting that numerous appeals were made to maintain cleanliness in the market place through proper disposal of wastes, she expressed helplessness as dumping cans or a proper spot to discard the wastes are not being provided by the IMC.
On the otherhand, an uneasy calm is palpable at all the three market complexes due to disgruntlement amongst the women vendors with some complaining about presence of fresh faces inspite of the IMC authorities ensuring that no new license would be issued.
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As a pre-emptive step for smooth allocation of trading slots, IMC officials have set up on-the-spot license inspection/verification posts where some self-proclaimed 'old occupants' were seen arguing with the officials that they are not familiar with their adjacent vendors.
even though suspicions are being cast against alleged issuance of license on the sly, the IMC officials were heard explaining that 'non-familiarity' might be due to prolonged absence from the market place during the construction period.
While the shifting process from the temporary market sheds to the newly built complexes are being carried out, the former site resembles a large dumping place such as Lamphelpat dumping ground, as the women vendors have left the previous plots in an in-orderly manner and littered with wastes of all kinds imaginable.
Meanwhile, when approached the IMC officials present at the new market complexes cannot commit as to whom plots of the temporary market sheds would be reallocated.