BANGALORE: Ruling out the possibilities of total demolition of Russell Market to build a hi-tech commercial complex, Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) commissioner M K Shankarlinge Gowda categorically stated that plans are afoot to use technology which is adopted in Germany and Malaysia for speedy completion of work. A portion of the market was gutted last week in the alleged ‘short-circuit’. More than 170 shops were gutted in the fire.
Express contacted Gowda, who said, “There are no plans before the BBMP to demolish the existing structure. Besides, it is not a suitable place to build a shopping complex. We are planning to rebuild the place where more than 170 shops were gutted, without causing much damage to the front portion of the market. It has been built in Indo-Sarsenic style by using Churki materials. The damaged Madras terrace portion will be removed and new shops will be built using modern technology like that in Germany and Malaysia. Union External Affairs Minister S M Krishna who recently visited the market, promised to release Rs 1 crore from his MP Local Area Development funds. The total cost for the rebuilding project is being worked out. Its proposal will be put forth before the state government seeking funds to undertake construction of the damaged portion of the market.”
‘Fire Canister Must’: Admitting that the Russell Market did not have adequate fire safety measures, Gowda said the place was too crowded to install fire safety equipment.
However, now, the BBMP has made it mandatory for every trader to keep a fire canister to handle any emergency case. Reportedly, the equipment is very easy to maintain. This will be used in cases of minor fire mishaps before the fire tenders arrive, Shankarlinge Gowda added.