Deadline December 31, but Narela market not ready for traders

NEW DELHI: With the December 31 deadline for vacating the chemical wholesale market in the Walled City fast approaching, construction is going on at hectic pace in distant Narela, where relocation plots near Holambi Khurd village have been lying unattended for two decades. With the building activity nowhere near completion, the trade body of the chemical merchants worries that business will come to a halt if the deadline is not extended.
In January, TOI had found the demarcated area deserted and overgrown with weeds.While Delhi high court’s no-nonsense order has finally broken the 18-year dormancy following the allocations in 2000, not a single unit is ready for occupation, nor is likely to be for seven-eight months more. “The foundations of some units have only just been laid, though the superstructure of some others is almost ready,” said Rajbir Singh, a contractor.

The traders’ association has deployed four contractors for erecting structures on the 250 plots there. Of the 1,100 plots, 670 were earmarked for the construction of warehouses. But water, electricity and security are constant hurdles. “We are using generators for welding, but the lack of electricity means work has to wrap up by 6pm,” said construction supervisor Sudama Yadav. “The location is so remote that water tankers hesitate to come.”
If all facilities were available, the construction could be completed within two months, claimed a contractor. But in the circumstances, despite over 450 labourers engaged, it will take several months to complete the work. While allotting the 50 sq metre plots close to GT Road, DDA had constructed wide roads and developed the sewer system, but made no provision for electricity.
While traders can be blamed for their reluctance to leave their lucrative Tilak Bazar, Khari Baoli and Sadar Bazar hubs in old Delhi, their complaints are not frivolous. As Sushil Goel, former president, Chemical Merchants’ Association, wondered, “How can the bigger traders store hazardous chemicals in tiny 50-sq-m facilities?”
Chemical wares are being ferried to other locations to comply with the court’s deadline of December 31 and the North Delhi Municipal Corporation’s threat of sealing. “We will approach the Supreme Court for relief,” said Pradeep Gupta, incumbent president of the merchants’ body. Goel warned that the chemical trade would shift from Delhi to NCR towns if “things go on like this”.
The shift is meant to prevent fire and blast hazards in the congested commercial-cum-residential areas from where the industry currently functions.