Kolkata's only floating market faces imminent closure due to neglect and decay

Kolkata's unique floating Patuli market, once a thriving hub of commerce, is now on the verge of closure as neglect and decay have taken a toll on its infrastructure and functionality. Established in 2018, the market was an immediate success, attracting vendors. However, the current disrepair has led to a decline in sales and safety concerns. One of the vendors highlighted the unsafe condition of the wooden pathways, stating that customers often get injured due to rotting planks.

An old vendor reminisces about the market's golden days when she used to make sales worth ₹250 daily. Unfortunately, the market's charm has faded, and she now struggles to reach ₹50 per day. The Kolkata Municipal Corporation Borough XI chairman, Tarakeshwar Chakraborty, expressed frustration over the deteriorating state of the market, attributing its decline to stall owners treating it as a dumping ground for leftovers and rotting items. Chakraborty revealed that despite investing ₹2 crore in repairs and replacements after cyclone Amphan in 2021, the market requires continuous maintenance. Officials hoped that stall owners would form a cooperative society to ensure sustainability, but their lack of interest has hindered the market's revival.