Thiruvananthapuram Corporation demolishes ‘illegal structures’ in Palayam market

File photo of Thiruvananthapuram Mayor VV Rajesh

The Thiruvananthapuram Corporation on Sunday began the demolition of alleged illegal structures at the Connemara market in Palayam. The civic body officials arrived with police protection in the morning and began demolishing makeshift shops built from tin sheets, most of which were used to sell chicken or mutton.

Addressing mediapersons later in the afternoon, Mayor VV Rajesh said the action was taken based on complaints. Mr. Rajesh visited the market on Saturday along with standing committee chairmen and other officials. He said some shops were located on stairwells, obstructing access to the buildings.

He added that the demolition drive will continue in the coming days after studying various documents to assess the illegal constructions in the area. Mr. Rajesh alleged that some of these illegal constructions were done with the knowledge of the previous administration.

Against extortion

The mayor said the company had also taken steps to stop extortion practices in the market following complaints from a fish seller who claimed she was forced to pay ₹500 for the right to sell a boatload of fish in the area.

“The company has issued orders to stop all illegal extortion in the market. This has been going on for years. After our visit on Saturday and 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 over a hundred shops in the building remained empty because they did not have proper air circulation. “How can there be so many shops in one of the main areas of nobody’s capital, if not for an unscientific construction?” asked Mr. Rajesh.

Published – 24 May 2026 20:34 IST