The delight and wariness at India’s first floating market in Kolkata

The initiative is meant to rehabilitate shopkeepers of the Baishnabghata-Patuli market, which has been displaced by a reconstruction project.There’s a touch of Bangkok in south Kolkata now, as 114 boats on Patuli Lake host 280 shops selling everything from essentials such as fruits, vegetables, fish and meat to household items. There are even two salons.

• The floating market is India’s first and is part of a beautification drive undertaken by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The state government, along with the Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority, launched this initiative to rehabilitate the shopkeepers of the Baishnabghata-Patuli market, which is being demolished for the widening of a bypass.
• Since it was inaugurated byCM Mamata Banerjee on January 25, the floating market has seen crowds visit from all over the city to experience a new way to do their daily marketing. Buyers navigate the market on wooden walkways connecting the boats.Both buyers and sellers have found advantages and disadvantages at the new location.

What are the timings and costs?

The floating market in Kolkata will remain open from 6 am to 9 pm. There is no entry-fee for this market.According to reports, around Rs. 10 crore has been invested in the making of this floating market.

What’s so special about this floating market in Kolkata?                                                                                                                         

Apart from being the first floating market in Kolkata, this market will have two aerators, devices that collect oxygen from air and mix it with water. This will ensure that aquatic plants and animals can thrive.

Why was this done?                                                                                                                                                                                     

This floating market will help in rehabilitating sellers who were displaced due to the widening of the EM Bypass. Their businesses will be shifted to the floating market.

By: Jagjot