A tense situation arose between officials of the Hatton-Dickoya Urban Council and traders at the Hatton Public Market premises when authorities moved to remove unauthorized structures that were obstructing pedestrian walkways.

Officials of the Hatton-Dickoya Urban Council, which oversees the management of the Hatton Public Market, took steps today (20) to remove newly constructed extensions set up by traders outside their shops. The traders had reportedly installed racks and displays beyond their allocated shop areas, causing obstruction to pedestrians.

Prior to the action, officials including the Revenue Administrator of the Hatton-Dickoya Urban Council had instructed the traders to remove the unauthorized constructions. However, as the traders failed to comply and continued their business activities while blocking pedestrian access, council officials proceeded with the removal of the structures.

During the operation, several traders at the public market, with the support of opposition members of the Hatton-Dickoya Urban Council, protested against the move, resulting in a heated exchange between the two groups.

The traders claimed that similar unauthorized constructions across Hatton town should also be removed, arguing that targeting only one section of the business community was unfair and unjustified.

Despite objections from some traders and opposition council members, officials of the Hatton-Dickoya Urban Council continued the operation and removed unauthorized structures erected in front of several shops.