Mysuru: Following the publication of the news item titled ‘Stinking Old RMC emits threat of epidemic’ in Star of Mysore dated June 8, the Contractor has taken up garbage clearance at the Old Regulated Market Committee (RMC) Yard in Bamboo Bazaar on New Sayyaji Rao Road  here.

As it is the mango season, rotten fruits, sewage water and foul smell emanating from the yard had made it miserable for customers and traders to do business. The Old RMC has around 150 wholesale fruit stalls and witnesses roaring business every day. Cleanliness and hygiene had become a mirage at the yard with heaps of rotten fruits and sewage water turning the area into a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Despite submitting umpteen memoranda to authorities concerned by the fruit merchants, there was no response from the officials and contractors.

Speaking to SOM, Contractor Raghavendra Nagaraju said that as it is the mango season, it is common to see more garbage. “We are disposing three tractor loads of garbage from morning till evening daily. Apart from the existing seven workers, we have urged the officers to deploy additional staff,” he added.

Braving rains, the workers, without wearing raincoats were seen clearing garbage at the RMC yard, said a few traders, taking pity on them.

Some merchants told SOM that there are over 150 shops in  Old RMC and officials concerned had failed to maintain cleanliness at this wholesale market, thereby inconveniencing traders and public.

“A big drain has collapsed a month ago but no safety steps have been taken. If we want to air our grievances, no officials are present in office,” they alleged.