Thiruvananthapuram: Tension prevailed at Palayam’s historic Connemara Market on Saturday when city corporation officials, backed by police, forcibly removed goods from shops. The authorities said they were clearing vendors from the marketplace to make way for its redevelopment.According to traders, a large contingent of police accompanied by corporation staff came to the market at 11am and proceeded to haul away merchandise from about 140 shops deemed part of the redevelopment zone. Shop owners immediately confronted the team, leading to heated exchanges and accusations of overreach. Some traders claimed that their stalls were being dismantled before alternate arrangements were fully operational.The traders then requested the corporation to give them two days to transfer their inventory safely. The authorities agreed but stipulated that the traders must sign an agreement affirming their commitment to vacate the place. With this assurance, officials announced they would complete the eviction of all remaining shops within the next 48 hours.Earlier in the month authorities and police forcibly evicted vendors and demolished approximately 25 shops under the same redevelopment drive. Traders accused the corporation of flouting a high court order, alleging that temporary relocation units lacked adequate infrastructure, such as electricity, proper ventilation and hygiene and were situated too close to an old dumpsite.The Rs 55-crore Smart City redevelopment plan of Connemara Market, aimed at constructing a modern four-storey complex while preserving the iconic heritage gate started in 2020 and has since then faced several delays.
