200 Hutments In Gurugram’s Famous Flea Market, ‘Banjara Market’ Were demolished

Tripoto

Shopping at the flea markets in India can be fun and exciting as one can get so many voguish products at affordable prices. One can get everything from clothes, accessories to home decor and vintage items in the flea markets located in different states of our country. Flea markets are boon for both the vendors, who comprise mostly those seeking extra income, and retirees who struggle to meet the rising cost of living‎, and the potential tourists — locals and visitors alike. However, there is a piece of bad news coming from one of the famous flea markets in the country.

As per the media report, makeshift houses and shops at Gurugram’s Banjara Market were demolished yesterday by Haryana Shahari Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP). Around 200 hutments spread across 8.5 acres in the market were demolished by the local authority.

(C) UNSPLASH

Photo of Banjara Market, IILM Institute, Sector 56, Gurugram, Haryana, India by Bongyatri - Sourav and Anindita

Where is it located?

Located in Sector 56 of Gurugram, Banjara Market is a popular destination among residents in Gurugram and Delhi.

What was Banjara Market famous for?

Known for their flawless designs, the products at Gurugram’s Banjara market ranged from furniture to crockery, to home décor items, such as closets, mirrors, wall hangings, and more. Like a flea market, many discarded branded products were available there. However, many artisanal goods made from scratch were available at a very budget-friendly price. So, the market was a haven for interior designers and architects.

(C) TOI

Photo of 200 Hutments In Gurugram’s Famous Flea Market, ‘Banjara Market’ Were demolished by Bongyatri - Sourav and Anindita

Reactions from the sellers:

Most of the sellers in this market have been living here for the last 10 years. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, they had already incurred huge losses. They have just started to recover from the losses as the Pandemic situation in India is much better than in previous months. Also, Diwali is around the corner. Almost every seller in this market had taken a loan for new stocks. Now everything is destroyed.

(C) TOI

Photo of 200 Hutments In Gurugram’s Famous Flea Market, ‘Banjara Market’ Were demolished by Bongyatri - Sourav and Anindita

Justification by Govt.:

As per the news, HSVP officials said, “The shops, most of which sold furniture and traditional handicrafts, had come up illegally over the past 15 years on land owned by the authority and despite repeated notices, the owners were not vacating the land.” As per the Authoritys’ plan, a college, a bus stand, and group housing societies will be built on the allocated land, which had been grabbed by the musclemen from the nearby villages. However, Government is also trying to relocate the sellers to a different place.

(C) UNSPLASH

Photo of 200 Hutments In Gurugram’s Famous Flea Market, ‘Banjara Market’ Were demolished by Bongyatri - Sourav and Anindita

Banjara market had become very popular and was one of the highlights of the city. Hope, the authority will relocate them and regularise the market.

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