‘Urban Mkt’ in Prayagraj to offer hygienic environ for sale of fruits, street food

Prayagraj: In a move aimed at modernising city's infrastructure, the Prayagraj Municipal Corporation (PMC) is set to develop a high-tech ‘Urban Market' on Sarojini Naidu road. As part of the preparations, a tender was issued on Aug 20, following, which the authorities would soon be zeroing in on the agency that will be entrusted to undertake the project. The upcoming market will offer a modern and hygienic environment for the sale of fruits, vegetables, and street food. As per the plan, 60 aesthetically designed food joints will be set up over a 250-metre stretch of the 1,000-metre-long Sarojini Naidu road.This development is part of a broader initiative proposed in 2020 by the town vending committee, which approved creation of 28 street vending zones across the city, including Sarojini Naidu Marg. Earlier, the Prayagraj Development Authority (PDA) already developed a green belt along this road to support the initiative. PMC officials have confirmed that shop operations on Sarojini Naidu Road will begin soon. In a related development, the Encroachment Task Force (ETF) conducted a surprise clearance drive on Thursday, acting on orders from the Additional Municipal Commissioner (Administration). "The drive covered the stretch from All Saints Cathedral to the AG Office–Thornhill intersection, removing unauthorised vendors from the main road. A total fine of Rs 48,150 was collected during the operation," said Commandant ETF, Col Dinesh Tanwar.He added that while vendors on the road were removed, those operating near the boundary wall along the green zone were initially spared, based on prior assurances of relocation. However, they have now been instructed via public announcements to vacate the area by Friday. The officer said that this clearance was essential to facilitate the swift development of the urban market.