The Thiruvananthapuram Corporation on Sunday launched a demolition drive against alleged illegal constructions at Connemara Market in Palayam, backed by police protection. Civic body officials arrived early in the morning and began dismantling makeshift shops constructed using tin sheets, many of which were reportedly used for selling chicken or mutton. Mayor V.V. Rajesh stated that the action followed multiple public complaints and was part of a broader effort to regulate unauthorized structures in the area.
Speaking to the media later in the afternoon, Mayor Rajesh explained that several shops had been built on stairways and pathways, obstructing access to adjacent buildings. He confirmed that the demolition process would continue in the coming days as officials review property documents to identify further illegal constructions. The Mayor also alleged that some of these unauthorized structures had been erected with tacit approval from previous administrations, indicating a long-standing issue of encroachment in the market.
In a related move, the Corporation has taken firm action against extortion practices that have plagued the market for years. Mayor Rajesh cited a complaint from a fish vendor who claimed she was forced to pay ₹500 to sell a single vessel of fish in the market. Following the Mayor’s inspection on Saturday and subsequent strict directives, the Corporation has ordered an end to all illegal money collection at the market. “This extortion has been going on for years. After our visit and strict instructions, the practice has stopped,” the Mayor affirmed.
The Corporation has also raised concerns about the structural design of shops in the rehabilitation block of the renovated Palayam market. Over a hundred shops in this block remain vacant due to poor air circulation, raising questions about the scientific planning of the project. Mayor Rajesh questioned how so many shops in a prime location in the state capital could remain unoccupied unless the construction was fundamentally flawed. “How can shop rooms in one of the main areas of the capital city have no takers if not for unscientific construction?” he asked, emphasizing the need for corrective measures.
The demolition and anti-extortion measures mark a renewed push by the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation to enforce urban planning norms and protect vendors from exploitation. The civic body’s actions come after a high-level inspection by the Mayor and standing committee chairpersons, signaling a commitment to restoring order and legality in the market.
Residents and traders have welcomed the move, though some have expressed concerns about the impact on small vendors who rely on temporary structures for their livelihood. The Corporation has assured that it will conduct a thorough assessment before taking further action, ensuring transparency and fairness in the process.
As the demolition drive continues, the Corporation’s focus remains on eliminating unauthorized constructions and ensuring a regulated, safe, and equitable marketplace for all stakeholders in Thiruvananthapuram.
