Historic Ponmalai weekly market falls into neglect amid lack of facilities

Regular visitors to the weekly market at Ponmalai, established in 1926, have expressed concern over the slow degradation of the premises, with the recent rainy weather making it more inaccessible for vendors and customers alike.

The market, also known as the Golden Rock Shandy, was started by Southern Railways (that owns the ground) to supply household essentials to residents of the railway colonies, who lived far away from the city centre at the time. Farmers and other sellers would bring their goods on bullock carts and set up temporary shops. It is currently held from dawn to dusk every Sunday.

Over time, the market has expanded to include stalls selling novelty items, pet animals, fairground attractions, and small eateries. However, the growth has not been accompanied by any real modernisation. Over 100 stalls are hosted on the premises, thought to be three acres in extent.

Even today, vending stalls continue to function from under tarpaulin sheets, adding to the makeshift nature of the market, alongside old clay-roofed structures.

“The Golden Rock Shandy has lost its charm because of unmonitored growth. The ground used to have a wire fence around it, which has disappeared now. It also had a small children’s park and a reading room initially, in addition to toilets, but these have fallen into disuse over the years. Shopkeepers are spilling out on to the roads and blocking traffic on Sundays,” K.C. Neelamegam, an environmentalist and long-time resident of the area, told The Hindu.

With the centenary of the market coming up, many residents are of the opinion that the public space could be spruced up and upgraded to attract more visitors.

“The recent rain has filled the ground with puddles and slush. The authorities should consider creating a permanent covered market hall with concrete flooring in the premises. The addition of a toilet complex, drinking water facilities, and secure vehicle parking lots will also be helpful for both customers and sellers using the market,” said civic activist H. Ghouse Baig.