278 markets in south Delhi to be beautified: SDMC

From street furniture of global standard to modern civic amenities and uniform signboards, the South Delhi Municipal Corporation is dreaming big for beautification of its markets.
South Delhi Mayor Kamaljeet Sehrawat said the SDMC has intensified efforts to beautify all 278 notified markets under its jurisdiction.
"Under the first phase, work has been taken up for 70 markets out of which 20 each fall in Central, South and West Zone of the SDMC, whereas, 10 are in Nazafgarh Zone. The beautification in these 70 markets is scheduled to be completed by September 30," SDMC's Municipal Commissioner, Puneet Kumar Goel said.

Various upscale markets are located in South Delhi which receive a big footfall daily. The SDMC area is divided into four zones -- Central, South and West and Najafgarh.
"As the SDMC has a number of reputed markets under its jurisdiction, hence, these deserve the best street furniture and amenities for customers and citizens," the mayor said, adding, the civic body is keen to make the markets more modern, and friendly for customers and citizens in particular.
Officials said the beautification exercise is being carried out on a "war-footing" to ensure a comprehensive makeover of these commercial places at the earliest.

"Work on beautification of the rest 208 markets will begin very soon. The SDMC has decided to ensure completion of the works related to the beautification in these markets by March 31, 2018," Goel added.

The SDMC said it intends to become a role model in the field of beautification of markets.
"Street furniture of international standard will be provided in the markets to ensure convenience and satisfaction for visitors and add aesthetic to the surrounding. We intend to turn around our markets as hubs of trade and services," the mayor said.
The departments concerned have been told to impress upon the traders to install uniform signboards to lend a better look to the markets, the SDMC said.

As part of the drive, boundary walls would be built, keeping in view the need of safety and security of customers and traders, public toilets will be maintained to keep them in better working condition, and footpaths will be repaired.
The SDMC has also planned to add green spaces in the markets to give a soothing feeling.