File photo of Thiruvananthapuram Mayor V.V. Rajesh
The Thiruvananthapuram Corporation on Sunday began demolishing alleged illegal constructions at the Connemara Market in Palayam. The civic body officials arrived with police protection in the morning and began demolishing makeshift shops built using tin sheets, most of which were used to sell chicken or mutton.Addressing the mediapersons later in the afternoon, Mayor V.V. Rajesh said the action was taken following complaints. Mr. Rajesh had visited the market on Saturday along with standing committee chairpersons and other officials. He said that some of the shops were situated on stairways, and were impeding access to buildings.He added that the demolition drive would continue in the days ahead after going through various documents to assess illegal buildings in the area. Mr. Rajesh alleged that some of these illegal constructions were carried out with the knowledge of the previous administrations.Against extortionThe Mayor said that the Corporation has also taken steps to stop extortionary practices in the market following complaints from a fish vendor, who alleged that she was made to pay ₹500 for the right to sell a vessel of fish in the area.“The Corporation has issued orders to stop all illegal collection of money at the market. This has been going on for years. Following our visit on Saturday and the strict orders from our side, the extortion has stopped,” said Mr. Rajesh.The Mayor also raised questions about the “unscientific construction” of shops in the rehabilitation block built as part of the renovation of the Palayam market. He said that over a hundred shops in the building were remaining vacant as they do not have proper air circulation. “How can so many shop rooms in one of the main areas of the capital city have no takers if not for the unscientific construction?” asked Mr. Rajesh. Published - May 24, 2026 08:34 pm IST
