Ooty Municipal Market
 Vegetable and flower stalls | |
| Location | Ooty |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 11°24′24.3936″N 76°42′10.2096″E / 11.406776000°N 76.702836000°E |
| Opening date | 1848 (177 years ago) |
| Management | Udhagamandalam Municipality |
| Owner | Udhagamandalam Municipality |
The Ooty Municipal Market is located in the Nilgiris district in Tamil Nadu. Built in 1848, it was previously considered to be a model market in India.[1] It is one of the largest retail markets in India.[2] This market is the most important shopping centre in Ooty[3][4] and utilized by the people for shopping vegetables, fruits[5] and groceries.[6] In 2023, funds were sanctioned to modernise the market and the work is in progress.[1]
History
During the first few decades of the 19th century after the British established a presence in Ooty, the residents were served by a weekly market fair. In mid-1846, Lord Tweeddale, Governor of Madras (1842-48), during his visit to Ooty recommended approval of a permanent market place. Though this was sanctioned promptly, the initial plan had to be revised to include stone in mortar foundations owing to boggy soil. Construction started only in 1847. The market place was completed in mid-1848, at a cost of Rs. 5,813. Initially, the market was run by a Supervisor until the Municipality was formed in 1866.[7]
In 1885, two large buildings were added at a cost of Rs. 61,000. One was used for beef and mutton stalls. A number of stalls were built in 1893 for European vegetables, fruit, poultry, eggs, and fresh and salt fish. Along with meat-hanging sheds these extensions cost Rs. 22,000. In 1903-04, sheds for native vegetables were added and the entire market area was fenced at a cost of Rs. 11,400. During 1905-06, demolition and reconstruction of the original buildings started.[7]
By the start of the 21st century, the market was suffering from overcrowding and safety issues. In 2020, a fire in the early hours destroyed over 81 shops.[8] Subsequently, in 2023, the Government of Tamil Nadu sanctioned Rs. 18.23 crores (182.3 million) for modernisation of the market and construction was started.[1]
Description
The Ooty Municipal Market is over 150 years old. It was previously considered to be a model market of India.[1][9] Events like Market shows were held in the market premises years ago. It features 1,500 permanent sales outlets and 500 temporary outlets. The market is visited by 3,500 to 4,000 people on a typical weekday and between 4,000 and 5,000 people on weekends. During the summer tourist season in Ooty, the average number of visitors per day is more than 5,000. It has 15 gates around the perimeter for access.[9]
Modernisation
The market has had problems with increased congestion over the years. The market has not been able to cope with the increase in number of visitors.[9] In June 2020, a fire broke out around 1:30 am, due to which about 81 shops were burnt. The loss was estimated at Rs. 2 crores (20 million).[8] Officials attributed the spread of the fire to closely-packed shops with extensions into the pathways.[1]
In February 2023, the Udhagamandalam Municipality announced that Rs. 18.23 crores (182.3 million) had been sanctioned by the Government of Tamil Nadu to rebuild part of the market. The plan envisaged tearing down of 190 shops. They would be replaced by about 271 shops with parking for 140 cars and 200 2-wheelers, and toilets and other amenities.[1]
In 2024, with the sanction of additional funds, the modernisation plan was upgraded to replace about 650 shops in two phases. The Udhagamandalm Municipal Council said that temporary accommodation would be provided outside the market for the shops that were being demolished.[10]
See also
References
- ^ a b c d e f "Ooty Municipal Market to be modernised". The Hindu. 10 February 2023. Retrieved 17 August 2025.
- ^ "Ooty". hillstationinfo.co.in. Retrieved 1 October 2011.
- ^ "Ooty Hill Station". tamilnadu-tourism.com. Archived from the original on 3 February 2013. Retrieved 1 October 2011.
- ^ "Ooty Hill Station". dhyansanjivani.org. Archived from the original on 15 July 2012. Retrieved 1 October 2011.
- ^ "About Nilgiris". upasikvk.org. Archived from the original on 2 April 2012. Retrieved 1 October 2011.
- ^ "Ooty - Nature's Carnival - Shopping". Indian Tour Operators Promotion Council. Archived from the original on 17 October 2011. Retrieved 1 October 2011.
- ^ a b Price, Frederick (1908). Ootacamund: A History (Reprinted by Asian Educational Services, New Delhi/Madras in 2000 ed.). Madras: Superintendent, Government Press. pp. 49–51, 187–188. ISBN 81-206-1513-1.
{{cite book}}: ISBN / Date incompatibility (help) - ^ a b "81 shops gutted in fire at Ooty market; losses pegged at Rs 2cr". The Times of India. 24 June 2020. Retrieved 17 August 2025.
- ^ a b c Radhakrishnan, D (27 August 2005). "Residents stress need to improve condition in Ooty market". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 19 February 2006. Retrieved 1 October 2011.
- ^ Premkumar, R. (20 February 2024). "Merchants demand alternative site for shops before second phase of the Ooty municipal market demolition works begin". The Hindu. Retrieved 17 August 2025.