Copyright thehindu
Traders and local residents have urged the Coimbatore Corporation to make use of the now unused flower market site on the eastern side of Mettupalayam Road, located opposite the existing facility. The eastern side facility was built at a cost of ₹70 lakh and had 75 shops. It was used by traders from 2020 until August 2024, after which they shifted to the renovated premises on the western side. The Coimbatore District All Flower Traders Welfare Association contributed ₹40 lakh towards the renovation under the Namakku Naame scheme, bringing the total cost to ₹1.2 crore, with 122 platform shops and 28 permanent shops. After the shift, the eastern side facility, which accommodated traders during the renovation period, has been abandoned to ruin. A. Ansari, secretary of the Coimbatore District All Flower Traders Welfare Association, said the unused space is unsuitable for flower trading. He suggested that the Corporation consider using it for vegetable or fruit vending, or converting it into a parking facility. At present, after the renovation of the flower market, the parking space accommodates only around 60 two-wheelers, and traffic movement remains slow due to roadside parking, despite police efforts, including barricades, constant patrolling, and repeated advisories. “It’s been over a year since the facility has remained closed. The Corporation should have planned how to utilise the space once traders shifted. The flower market area is known for congestion, and roadside parking is a major contributor. Providing parking facilities for cars and two-wheelers would also make it easier for people to cross the road and purchase flowers,” said Krishnaraj Sundaram, a local resident. Corporation Commissioner M. Sivaguru Prabakaran said there is currently no plan for the site but added that potential proposals for its use, such as parking or other purposes, will be evaluated.
