Navi Mumbai’s APMC Onion-Potato Market Declared Unsafe, BMC Orders Immediate Evacuation

Navi Mumbai, 25th June 2025: The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has declared eight buildings in the Turbhe Sector 18 Onion-Potato Market of the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) as highly dangerous, issuing an urgent notice for immediate evacuation. The buildings, marked A to H, have been found to have severe structural defects by the BMC’s construction department.

On June 22, the APMC followed up with notices to trade unions, instructing them to vacate the premises within 24 hours. The civic body warned that any continued operations would place the responsibility for any loss of life or property solely on the traders. As part of the enforcement, water supply to the market has been cut off since Friday evening.

The buildings, constructed in 1977, have long been plagued by structural issues, including frequent roof collapses and leaks during monsoons. The recent collapse of part of the speaker’s office has further highlighted the urgency of the situation.

Traders argue that they had carried out temporary repairs last year, reinforcing the structures with iron pillars in coordination with the market committee. They had also collectively agreed to a redevelopment plan, which is currently pending in court. Despite the civic warning, traders are demanding that the market remain open during redevelopment due to the essential nature of onion and potato supply to Mumbai, Thane, and surrounding suburbs.

“We’ve already taken steps to strengthen the buildings. Shutting the market will severely disrupt supply chains,” said Sanjay Pingale, president of the Onion-Potato Adat Traders Association. He also confirmed that a memorandum has been submitted to the civic body requesting restoration of the water supply and reconsideration of the evacuation deadline.

The market’s future now hangs in the balance as safety concerns clash with the region’s vital food supply needs.