chalai market

Is chalai market heading towards an inevitable shutdown? It seems to be the case. The reason is not the dip in business but a stinking, nauseating garbage mound that has appeared at the far end of the lane that runs across the market.

It has been two years, but the memories of flames breaking out from his only asset in Chalai Bazaar still linger in 60-year-old Ameer Hamsa's mind.

It may be difficult for a visitor to associate the bustling and noisy chalai market with the words calm and quiet.

chalai market Street is to capital city what Mithayi Theruvu is to Kozhikode, in terms of being major trade hub as well being a regular target of fire catastrophes.

The chalai market will be operational from Monday. The decision came following a meeting between city police and traders over measures to ensure social distancing.

Traders and public had a providential escape when a major fire gutted a parcel and cigarette depot in chalai market here in November 2011.

Pleasing Lord Ayyappa with garlands and sweet smelling flowers is going to be a tad costly for the Sabarimala pilgrims from the state capital this season.

The decades-old and narrow drainage system inside the chalai market is causing troubles to merchants and the general public alike during heavy rains. The drainage overflows during heavy rain and as a result the whole area is flooded with sewage water.

Frequent fire outbreaks in the chalai market area in recent times have forced the authorities concerned into action mode.

Tamil writer Thoppil Mohamed Meeran, who died at Pettai in Tirunelveli on Friday, had close connections with the city, especially the chalai market. The Sahitya Akademi award-winning writer used to visit Chalai as a trader for 50 years and many of his relatives are settled in the capital city.