Aug. 17: The traders of Kachari Bazar will stage a sit-in at the market tomorrow in protest against a hike in market taxes effected by the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC).

They will hold the demonstration under the banner of Kachari Bazar Unnayan Samiti from 10am tomorrow to demand the development of the market, which is one of the oldest in the city.

The treasurer of the organisation, Narayan Barman, said the GMC has increased the taxes manifold with effect from this month, but has not taken any step to develop the market to justify the collection of lakhs of rupees every year as revenue.

He said the latest hike is not acceptable to them, as it has been more than 100 per cent to 200 per cent depending on the items.

“The increase in the tax will burden the small traders who are somehow earning their livelihood by selling fruits, vegetables, fish and meat. Therefore, we urge the corporation to review its decision,” he said.

Barman said the GMC, despite collecting Rs 6 lakh to Rs 7 lakh as revenue from the market every year, has not taken any interest in improving the pathetic condition of the market.

“At present, there is not enough space for the vendors to sit and spread out their wares properly,” he said.

The situation becomes worse during the rainy season, as the entire area gets filled with mud and slush.

Former food and civil supplies minister Biraj Kumar Sarma laid the foundation stone for the renovation of the market way back in 1987 but nothing has been done so far.

Though a large number of people throng the riverside market for fresh vegetables, fish, duck and poultry, the absence of electricity and sanitation facilities make both selling and buying an unpleasant experience.

The traders also expressed disappointment that the corporation does not even clear the garbage on a daily basis.

A GMC official said the market tax has been revised after a long time and considering the rise in prices of commodities over the years, the hike is absolutely justified.

He also dismissed the claim that the hike will increase the financial burden on the vendors.

According to historians, Kachari Bazar is the oldest market on the Brahmaputra riverbank.

The market derived its name from the word kachari (treasury), as it was initially located near Kamrup treasury, which is now the Kamrup deputy commissioner’s office.