Navi Mumbai's Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) wholesale market is under scrutiny. The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has sent notices to APMC for structural audits of the buildings in the wholesale market. Some buildings have been declared high risk and are recommended for immediate demolition.
As per reports, over time, the market's infrastructure has deteriorated. Roofs have come off, platforms have broken down, plasters have fallen, and cracks have appeared in several pillars. Despite these alarming signs, the market continues to operate.
Redevelopment projects have also been proposed but have faced numerous obstacles. Opposition from various quarters, Floor Space Index (FSI) issues, and high costs have stalled these projects.
The market has witnessed serious incidents due to its deteriorating infrastructure. Last year, a balcony in the onion market collapsed. There were no casualties as the incident occurred at night. A roof partially fell in the grain market, which injured two workers.
A redevelopment plan was prepared for the onion-potato market, but it met with resistance from traders. They demanded additional FSI. The matter is now in court.
In 2004–2005, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation declared the onion and potato market a C1 category. This means that immediate demolition was required. Later, the spice market's central facility buildings and the MAFCO market were also declared dangerous. Despite these warnings, the APMC authorities have yet to take proper action.
The APMC market was relocated to Navi Mumbai from Mumbai in 1982. It is located in Turbhe on an area of 175 acres. The goal was to decongest the city. At the time, it was the largest wholesale market in Asia.
The market is important for providing resources to the region. Despite the urgency of the situation, no immediate action has been taken as it is a government-run market.
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