No govt help, Jammu’s oldest meat market in a shambles

Vikram Sharma

Tribune News Service

Jammu, February 15

The dilapidated, ruined and neglected meat market in the old city of Jammu shows that no administrative help has ever reached here since its inception in 1956.

The market, which came into existence 63 years ago, was a pressing demand of a few sellers in the city who had asked for a common place to sell meat so that all customers could get different varieties under one roof.

Today, the market is in a shambles. The rooftops of many shops have caved in and tree trunks and branches have pierced the walls of the market compound which can lead to its collapse anytime.

“We are now tired of approaching the Jammu municipality for a repair or whitewash of the walls. Twelve shops existed in this compound which used to bustle with customers daily. Only three shops are functional now as business has hit an all-time low,” said Joginder Singh, president of the market.

He said the idea floated by him and other meat sellers to join under one roof was aimed at keeping the city clean of animal waste which was accepted by the Jammu Municipal Corporation. “Twelve persons set up shops in the market. Today, nine of them have switched to other petty works as business declined due to mushrooming of meat shops in every nook and corner of the city,” Joginder Singh said.

His other concern was that since the inception of the meat market compound, not a single visit was paid by the Jammu municipality that led to downfall of the business.

“The entire area is dilapidated and gives a forlorn look. Even the customers who were regular visitors here have switched to other meat shops available in their vicinity. If the market is repaired and reconstructed, good business can return,” Singh said.

Mayor Chander Mohan Gupta said he was aware of the bad situation of the market and would soon take up the facelift issue. “I have asked the people of the market to prepare a letter of demands and submit it to me. I will ensure that the meat market and the heritage of the old city shine back to their pristine glory.”