Ima Keithel little cleaner than garbage pit
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 03 2012:
Notwithstanding its proud legacy and distinctive character, Ima Keithel (Purana Bazar) is no better than a garbage pit.
Its fame and glory may attract foreign tourists/visitors but none would wish to visit the place for the second time after seeing its horrible state and experiencing the highly repugnant stench.
It was not long ago the three market complexes were built anew and inaugurated after investing several crores of rupees.
It was only on November 12, 2010 that the three market complexes were inaugurated by UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi in the presence of Union Minister for Housing and Tourism Selja and Chief Minister O Ibobi.
Barely two years later, Ima Keithel has adopted a totally different face adorned by dust, dirt, garbage and effluents.
The worst portion is North-Western corner which is occupied by fish-mongers.
Here both indigenous and imported species of fishes are sold.
But the fishes are not always sold in one piece.
The fishes are skinned and cut and sold according to the size/weight demanded by customers.
Whenever any fish is skinned and cut, water is used but there is no separate cubicle or enclosure for dressing fishes.
As such, the used water just flows down the market floor and it contaminates even vegetables being sold on the other side of the market.
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In the meantime, a team of the Federation of Regional Indigenous Society (FREINDS) recently launched a drive to shoo away male vendors mixing up with the women vendors at Ima Keithel.
Incidentally, Ima Keithel is known beyond the State for being a women exclusive market.
Though the male vendors got up and went away when the drive was going on.
They have all come back and are occupying their usual spots.
Even non-local men were seen selling fish inside Ima Keithel, also known as Nupi Keithel.
Though these male vendors might be earning their livelihood, their presence negates the uniqueness of Ima Keithel.
They have rendered the speciality of Ima Keithel being an women exclusive market null and void.
ome rice hotels are also being run inside the market and they are contributing in less degree in mucking up the whole market complex.
There is a need for the Imphal Municipal Council to educate and monitor the women vendors regarding waste disposal.
It appears women vendors are being driven by a misplaced notion that they can do anything for they are monthly taxes.
Flower-pots which adorned the market a few months back have all disappeared.