Kolkata becomes first Indian metro to get floating market

Kolkata, capital of West Bengal became first metro city in India to get floating market. It was inaugurated by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
The floating market is located on lake at Patuli in South Kolkata which is 400 metres long and 60 metres wide. The lake has been transformed into the floating market similar to the one in Thailand.

Key Facts

The aim of floating market is to rehabilitate over 200 shopkeepers from nearby market that was demolished for the widening of Eastern Metropolitan Bypass (EMB) — an important road that connects the northern parts of Kolkata o the eastern and southern tips.
The market will host at least 114 boats, each one accommodating two shops.  These shops will sell regular or daily-use items that include vegetables, fruits, flowers, fish and meat and poultry. Shoppers can approach these boats through wooden walkways.
Special provisions have been made to ensure that water in lake does not stink and the aquatic life survives. Nets will be routinely used to fish out vegetable peel, fish scales and other waste from the water. The Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA) is executing agency of floating market.

Month: Current Affairs - January, 2018