Merchants demand modernisation instead of relocation; cite impact on business and heritage
Team Clarion
LUCKNOW – The move to shift the city’s historic flower market from its current location in the Chowk area to Kisan Bazar in Vibhuti Khand has sparked considerable anger among traders. The Hussainabad Trust, tasked with the preservation of the city’s monuments, posted a notice at the flower market, ordering the traders to vacate the premises and move to the new location.
Muhammad Ayaz, a prominent flower trader, expressed his concerns. “This is the oldest and largest flower market in Uttar Pradesh. Flowers were sent to Ayodhya twice by flower merchants and farmers during the inauguration of the Ram temple. Moreover, flowers for all the ancient temples, dargahs, mosques, Imam Barah, Hanuman temple, Kalibari temple, and many other important places in Lucknow are sourced from here.”
Ayaz highlighted the historical significance of the market, noting that it has played a crucial role in various significant events. “Apart from the dargahs, flowers for all the leaders of Uttar Pradesh and the country, including former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, former minister Lalji Tandon, and Lucknow MP Rajnath Singh, have been sent from this market. It’s a historic market in itself,” he added.
Hari Ram, another trader, voiced his frustration. “Shifting the market to Vibhuti Khand will destroy our business. Most of our customers know this location. Moving from here will cause immense hardship to both traders and farmers.”
Madhu, a flower seller, expressed concerns over the practical implications of the move. “Farmers bring flowers from different districts of UP, and they will not find buyers in the new place. The logistics will become unmanageable for many of us,” she said.
Muhammad Tayyab shared his perspective, highlighting the community’s dependence on the market. “This market supports not only the traders but also the farmers who sell vegetables in the Dobagh Vegetable Market before selling flowers here. Relocating will disrupt this ecosystem,” he explained.
Shrikant, a longtime vendor, emphasised the need for modernisation rather than relocation. “Instead of relocating us, the authorities should focus on improving the existing infrastructure. This will help us better serve our customers and preserve the market’s heritage,” he suggested.
The traders are demanding that instead of relocating the market, the authorities should focus on modernising the current location to improve the business. They believe that the move to Kisan Bazar in Vibhuti Khand will not only disrupt their operations but also affect the cultural and historical value of the market.
The controversy continues as traders and farmers stand united in their demand to preserve the market’s location, urging authorities to reconsider their decision and work towards enhancing the existing infrastructure.
