Unit-I Market Row In Bhubaneswar: BMC Says Talks Are On To Resolve Issue & Ensure Normalcy During Festive Season

Bhubaneswar: With traders threatening to stop selling vegetables alleging encroachment by puja pandal and temporary shops on roads to Unit-I Daily Market in Odisha capital, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) appealed to all not to spoil the festive season.

As roads for goods vehicles to Unit I Daily Market are blocked by temporary shops and puja pandal, the traders have threatened to stop selling vegetables from October 20.

Following the protest by the vegetable traders, BMC Commissioner Vijay Amruta Kulange told media that talks are being held with all those concerned. BMC team also visited the market to take stock of the situation and take steps to resolve the issue, he said.

Noting that Durga Puja is being celebrated in a traditional manner at the venue for many years, he said it will not be appropriate to put an end to the tradition all of a sudden.

As some problems are likely to be faced for around ten days during the festivities, BMC is taking necessary steps to deal with the situation and prevent inconvenience to people and traders, he said.

Appealing to everybody to cooperate during the festive season so that the citizens of Bhubaneswar do not face any problems, the BMC Commissioner said that the civic body will take steps to sort out the issue through discussions.

Regarding the wholesale market, he said the situation is different the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) is taking steps to tackle issues relating to vehicle management, stocks, and movement of retailers and customers.

It may be noted here that president of the Vegetable Traders’ Association Kabiraj Swain of the market has said there are two approach roads which are used by trucks, tempos, mini-trucks and other vehicles carrying vegetables to the market.

As one of the roads was completely blocked by the temporary shops selling winter garments, festival items and a puja pandal, the goods vehicles have been unable to reach the market for unloading the vegetables since Ganesh puja.

“When we took up the matter with the Unit-I Traders’ Association to resolve the matter, we were told to use another road located in a residential area. But the residents opposed the movement of the vegetable-laden vehicles in their locality,” said Swain.

Normally, around 1,000 vehicles from outside places including Kolkata, Ranchi and other places come to the market to deliver the vegetables on daily basis. “With both roads blocked for the movement of vehicles, our stock has depleted and we cannot keep the vegetables in the open. In view of the issue, we have decided to stop selling vegetables from October 20,” he added.