Vadodara: The removal of existing paver blocks in the Mangal Bazaar area of the old city to replace them with new ones triggered protests by shopkeepers on Tuesday.The lanes in Mangal Bazaar were earlier paved with paver blocks by the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC). When the civic body began work to replace the blocks on Tuesday, shopkeepers in the area objected and asked workers to halt the activity.The protesting shopkeepers claimed that the existing paver blocks were in good condition and did not require replacement. They also expressed concern that the installation of new blocks could lead to waterlogging inside their shops.Following the protest, shopkeepers called Congress party workers and VMC officials to the site. VMC officials later instructed the contractor to stop work temporarily and assured the shopkeepers that the matter would be discussed with senior officials before a decision is taken.The issue of replacing paver blocks has sparked controversy at the civic body on several occasions. Opposition parties have earlier alleged that paver blocks were being replaced unnecessarily at certain locations.
