Varanasi's Historic Flower Market Gets Organized Makeover
The bustling Kisan Phool Mandi in Varanasi is witnessing a significant transformation. Municipal authorities have initiated a comprehensive cleanup operation to bring order to the famous flower market.
Crackdown on Illegal Occupants
Earlier this week, the Varanasi Municipal Corporation took decisive action against unauthorized occupants. Officials sealed illegal shops and reclaimed valuable land worth crores near the Maldahiya market area.
This operation specifically targeted unlawful collections from flower vendors. Investigations revealed that Vishal Dubey had been extracting money from traders without proper authorization.
Vendors Embrace Legal Framework
Following the cleanup, sixty-two vendors from the market's second shift have already submitted applications for formal contracts. Municipal authorities anticipate receiving over one hundred more applications in the coming days.
Assistant Municipal Commissioner Anil Yadav explained the new system. "We have made it mandatory for all garland and flower businesses in this area to establish formal contracts with the corporation," he stated.
Transparent Contract System
The corporation has implemented a direct contracting process to ensure transparency. The naib tehsildar now handles all vendor agreements personally, eliminating bureaucratic delays.
Under this new arrangement, traders will pay their rent directly to the municipal corporation. This system aims to completely remove middlemen from the transaction process.
Benefits for Vendors and Corporation
This reorganization promises multiple advantages. Flower vendors will gain legal recognition for their businesses, allowing them to operate without fear of harassment.
The corporation expects increased revenue from proper rent collection. Simultaneously, vendors will escape the economic exploitation they previously faced from unauthorized collectors.
Large-Scale Impact
The new organized system will provide structured space for approximately five hundred farmers and traders. Municipal Commissioner Himanshu Nagpal clarified the land ownership situation.
"This property belongs to the Defence Estate Department but falls under our management," Nagpal explained. He issued strict instructions to officials regarding proper rent collection and market management.
Future Safeguards
Authorities have warned against any future attempts at illegal occupation. The municipal commissioner emphasized that such actions would invite immediate legal consequences, including FIR filings.
According to Assistant Commissioner Yadav, the revenue department has received clear directives. Officials must verify all applying businessmen thoroughly and complete the contracting process expeditiously.
This systematic approach represents a significant step toward formalizing Varanasi's traditional flower trade while protecting the livelihoods of hundreds of vendors.
