VELLORE: Despite a steep cut in rent -- and more recently undergoing a Rs 37.50-lakh facelift -- the municipal corporation’s market at Anna Salai in the city fails to attract fruit and vegetable vendors, with those few who occupied the facility with about 150 shops also abandoning them. The street vendors at Long Bazaar, for whom the facility was constructed about a decade ago, blame reduced visibility for avoiding trade in the market. They suggest that it be converted into a parking lot instead, considering the traffic congestion in the locality.
Traders say the erstwhile fish market opposite the Vellore Fort was converted into the current facility for use by fruit and vegetable sellers using Rs 82.90 lakh under the Smart Cities Mission in 2015-2016.
While the shops attracted vendors for about the first three months, they left afterwards citing lack of sales. The vendors complained that the enclosed space failed to attract customers. Following complaints over the shop rent – which then worked out to Rs 100 per day – it was subsequently reduced to Rs 40.
In 2024-2025, the corporation also undertook renovation of the market by replacing damaged roof sheets and refurbishing the shops at a cost of Rs 37.50 lakh. Trade activity picked up at the market after this, only to slump again in a month’s time over poor sales, vendors said.
Vellore Vanigar Sangam leader Gnanavelu said the market initially had 200 shops measuring 3 ft x6 ft. After the renovation, they were expanded to 6 ft x6 ft. Currently, there are 147 shops in the market, he added. “Despite all the facilities available, the vendors are unwilling to move in due to the lack of visibility in the market,” he further said.
Mentioning none of the shops currently being in use by vendors, Gnanavelu said his sangam had insisted that the market be converted into a parking lot to at least prevent anti-social activities.
The market has now reduced into a spot for illegal dumping of garbage and activities like drinking alcohol besides open defecation, said sources. There are neither CCTV cameras nor security personnel at the premises.
"The market has to be utilised properly; it should at least be allotted to the street vendors at the Vellore Burma Bazaar if they are willing to take it; otherwise it will be a waste of public money," said social activist Vikaram Vinodh Kumar.
When contacted, a senior zonal-level corporation official expressed ignorance of anti-social activities at the market. "Shops are already allotted to the vendors. A few operate in the morning and leave. We will take action if any complaints on illegal activities are given," the official told TNIE.
Corporation Commissioner A Sultana couldn’t be reached for comment.