Visakhapatnam: Mild tension prevails at Elamanchili

Visakhapatnam: Mild tension prevailed at the vegetable market in Elamanchili as Municipal Corporation officials and police instructed the farmers and small traders to vacate the place.

The officials concerned asked the farmers to evacuate the market to facilitate its development. They suggested that the farmers continue their business at an alternative place organised for them. However, the farmers opposed the decision made by the authorities as they found the alternative place lacking amenities.

The four-decade old marketplace provides livelihood to 300 families and the sudden shifting it to another location did not go down well with the locals.

Municipal administration decided years ago to develop the market. On Thursday, Elamanchili Municipal Commissioner, Circle Inspector and other Municipal staff arrived at the marketplace and instructed the farmers and small traders to vacate the venue. However, the farmers argued with the officials that they will not budge until proper arrangements were made at alternate location.

The officials decided to take up development works at the venue at a later date.