Hathras shopkeepers oppose proposed relocation of 15-year-old haat market

Small shopkeepers have opposed the proposed relocation of a public haat market that has been operating for about 15 years in Devi Nagar Gram Panchayat in the Hathras Junction area of Hathras. They have appealed to Sadar MLA Anjula Singh Mahaur for justice and sought an impartial inquiry into the matter.

The shopkeepers have raised concerns about alleged pressure to move the market from its current location, the possibility of money being collected from poor traders in the name of relocation, and the lack of basic facilities at the proposed new site. They have asked that the entire matter be investigated and that action be taken on the basis of the facts.

According to the application submitted by the shopkeepers, the haat market has been regularly held for almost 15 years on land located next to a bridge in Gram Panchayat Devi Nagar. Small traders, labourers, street vendors and other shopkeepers set up their stalls in this market. They depend on the market to earn a living and support their families.

The application also states that the market is an important source for local residents to meet their daily needs. The shopkeepers said that the market’s long-running arrangement should be examined before any decision is taken to shift it elsewhere.

The shopkeepers have alleged that some influential individuals are putting pressure to remove the old market from its present location and relocate it to another place. They have also expressed apprehension that money could allegedly be collected from them in the name of shifting the market.

They have demanded an inquiry to establish who would have the authority to collect such money and what legal basis, if any, would support such a collection. The shopkeepers have asked that no financial demand be made from poor traders without clarifying the relevant authority and rules.

The shopkeepers have also questioned the facilities available at the proposed new location. They said that the site does not have basic arrangements such as drinking water, toilets and electricity. They also raised the issue of inadequate security arrangements at the proposed location.

According to the shopkeepers, the absence of these facilities could create difficulties for traders who would set up their shops there as well as for customers visiting the market. They have therefore asked the authorities to examine the proposed location and its arrangements before taking any decision on relocation.

The shopkeepers have demanded an administrative-level inquiry into the arrangement under which the market has been operating for about 15 years. They have sought verification of the ownership of the land at the current site, the revenue records, the necessary permissions and the rules related to the operation of the market.

They have further requested protection from alleged pressure, threats or any attempt to forcibly remove them until the inquiry is completed and a decision is taken according to law. The shopkeepers said that no action should be taken against them before the relevant records and permissions are examined.

In their appeal to Sadar MLA Anjula Singh Mahaur, the shopkeepers have requested that she take cognizance of the entire matter and arrange an inquiry by a competent and impartial administrative officer. They have also sought a collective hearing for all affected shopkeepers.

The shopkeepers have asked that appropriate action be ensured on the basis of the inquiry. Copies of the application have also been sent to the Chief Minister, Uttar Pradesh Government, District Magistrate Hathras and MP Anoop Pradhan, according to the application.

The shopkeepers said the matter is not limited to the relocation of a market. They said the livelihoods of several poor families are connected with the market and the income earned there. They appealed to public representatives and the district administration to intervene, find a just solution and protect the interests of small traders.