Haphazard parking threatens diamond markets' security

SURAT: The diamond markets at Mini Bazaar in Varachha and Mahidharpura, the biggest markets for trading of polished and rough diamonds, generate a daily turnover of over Rs 600 crore. However, the diamond merchants and manufacturers are negligent with regard to their own safety and that of the valuable goods as the haphazard parking of their two-wheelers in the markets gives an opportunity to miscreants to play mischief.
The narrow alleys of the Diamond City's cash-rich diamond streets teem with hundreds of merchants, agents and manufacturers. Diamond dealings are carried out from footpaths, open shops and the haphazardly parked two-wheelers in the markets. Over 3,000 diamond merchants operate in Varachha and Mahidharpura markets. Each market has a minimum of around 8,000 people.
A few months ago, office-bearers of Surat Diamond Association (SDA) had urged the city police department to declare the alleys in the diamond markets of Varachha and Mahidhapura as 'no parking' zones. The police acted on the recommendation of the diamond industry leaders and parking of the two-wheelers there was banned. Nevertheless, diamond merchants and manufacturers continue to park their vehicles inside the narrow lanes, thereby threatening the security of the markets.
"Crores of rupees worth diamonds exchange hands on a daily basis at these markets. Despite repeated pleas to traders and manufacturers to park their vehicles outside the diamond streets, there is little response. They are undermining their own security," SDA president Dinesh Navadiya said.
He added, "Stray incidents of thefts have occurred in Varachha and Mahidhapura markets. The miscreants managed to escape from the crowded markets due to the haphazardly parked two-wheelers."
The SDA office-bearers, according to Navadiya, have written to police commissioner asking for permanent deployment of policemen at both the markets. The policemen will stop entry of those coming on two-wheelers.