Meerut’s $30 Billion Dream at Risk as Demolition Drive Hits Shops, MSMEs

Meerut, Apr 17 (KNN) Micro and small enterprises have been the key drivers of Meerut's local economy but the latest demolition drive in the city threatens to derail its growth as commercial establishments uprooted by the government action have no place to relocate due to faulty master plan, rue local entrepreneurs.

A joint study by FISME and Meerut Citizens Forum (MCF) earlier projected that Meerut's Gross District Domestic Product (GDDP) or district level GDP needs to reach US$30 billion by 2026-27 for the state of Uttar Pradesh to become a US$1 trillion economy.

However, the large-scale disruption caused by the demolition drive in the city is now casting a long shadow on the projected growth of Meerut's economy. 

Speaking to KNN, a member of city-based Indian Industries Association (IIA) said that the government should take a balanced approach while resorting to the extreme step of demolishing commercial establishments on 'industrial' scale.

"Disrupting business by taking these extreme steps would certainly affect the livelihood of local businesses. Many of the structures which are being demolished now came up many years back but then local authorities allowed it. However, now the same structures are being removed while there is no action on the concerned officials who allowed it in the first place. Accountability must be fixed on them as well," he said wishing not to be named.

Dinesh Singhal, Member of Central Executive Committee (CEC) of Federation of Indian Micro and Small & Medium Enterprises (FISME) and Managing Director at Meerut-based Kanohar Electricals Ltd blamed the sketchy master plan of the city for the current unwarranted situation.

"The Master Plan of Meerut lacked adequate provision for commercial establishments in the city. It largely focussed on residential buildings, plots and related infrastructure. This led to people setting up shops and offices where they found space. Instead of removing their structures they should be allowed to continue their business. In case there are structures which are causing public inconvenience should be removed and relocated," he said.

Even as massive protests are going on in Meerut by local residents and traders, sealing of shops and demolition have continued unabatedly. Women too have joined the protest and demanding stay on the ongoing demolition drive.

Traders are also up in arms and have been expressing their frustration over inaction of local leaders. Several videos showing angry local traders have gone viral on social media highlighting the deep crisis being faced by affected people.

"Everyone has deserted us in this challenging time. Nobody cares for us and are busy pursuing their own cheap politics," said a local shopkeeper on the verge of tears.

Meerut is among the biggest city hubs in the country and hosts flourishing manufacturing and service sectors. But the ongoing sealing and demolition drives have disrupted the business, dampened sentiments and caused a lot of uncertainties.

The city in Western Uttar Pradesh and in close proximity with the national capital, Meerut is known for a range of products such as sports goods, textiles, leather goods, brass band, food-processing and auto parts. It contributes over 3% to the state's gross domestic product (GDP).

(KNN Bureau)