Cooch Behar: The Cooch Behar Municipality has initiated the much-awaited renovation of the Bhawaniganj Market, one of the largest and most frequented markets in the district.
On Thursday, Municipality Chairman Rabindra Nath Ghosh, accompanied by officials from the Public Works Department (PWD), conducted an on-site inspection of the market’s condition. Suraj Ghosh, Secretary of the Cooch Behar District Business Association, was also present during the visit. Chairman Ghosh emphasised the urgency of the project, stating: “The Bhawaniganj Market building is a heritage structure that has been in a dilapidated state for years. Pieces of the building have frequently fallen off, posing a significant safety hazard.
There have even been instances where people were injured. We are committed to renovating the market while preserving its heritage. The site has been inspected by engineers from the PWD and Zila Parishad. Once the design and budget are finalised, work will begin immediately.
Our goal is to restore the building quickly to ensure public safety and instill confidence in market-goers.”
The Bhawaniganj Market, which serves as the largest commercial hub in Cooch Behar, attracts thousands of visitors daily. However, its deteriorating condition has raised growing concerns over the years.
In response, traders’ organisations have repeatedly submitted memorandums to the municipality urging for repairs. At one point, shopkeepers even staged protests by closing the market in a bid to highlight the urgency of the issue. The pressure eventually led to an intervention from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who instructed the municipality to take action.
Praising the municipality’s initiative, Suraj Ghosh, Secretary of the Cooch Behar District Business Association, said: “The condition of the market has been a long-standing concern.
The municipality’s decision to renovate the market is a commendable one. However, it is crucial that the work is completed swiftly so that both the public and shopkeepers can return to a safe and restored environment.”