It's dirty and stinks at INA market

It may be one of the most popular markets in Delhi but civic authorities' negligence has ensured that you will never want to step into the market again.

It may be one of the most popular markets in Delhi but civic authorities' negligence has ensured that you will never want to step into the market again.

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Overflowing sewers and garbage have marred the market that is popular for its meat and spice varieties and Malayali food.

While the area around the shops facing the main road is relatively clean, the waterlogged lanes and muck is clearly visible towards the back and near the fish market.

"We have been in touch with officials from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) but no one has been able to sort out the problem," said Ramesh Bhutani, president, INA Market Association.

As a result, the market association is forced to pay for the maintenance of the market. "The market association got the public conveniences constructed with their own money. We have also roped in private agencies to collect garbage and sweep the area," Bhutani said.

MCD officials, meanwhile, said that the maintenance of the market is not their responsibility.

NDMC spokesperson, Anand Tewari, also said that the maintenance of the market does not come under their purview. This confusion has led to the market being in a state of disrepair for two years now.

According to shopkeepers, the sewers in the area have been blocked for almost a month, leading to waterlogged lanes and mosquito breeding. "The stench in the market is very bad and the area behind the meat market is a ground full of garbage, muck and sewage water," said RK Khanna, a shopkeeper.

After repeated complaints went unheeded, the association has finally roped in a private agent to clean the sewers.

INA market is also very popular among expatriates looking for exotic vegetables and other products that are not available widely in the city.

"I have been coming to this market for five years now as it has a good vegetable market but it has become very dirty these days. It is not possible for me to be inside the market for more than 15 minutes," said Chen Chang, a Korean expatriate.