Urban Haat In Cuttack Ready For Operation, Says CMC Commissioner

Cuttack: The newly constructed “Urban Haat” in Odisha’s Cuttack city, which was lying unused since inauguration due to various problems, has been made functional after resolving all issues.

Speaking to media persons on Tuesday, commissioner of Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) Nikhil Pavan Kalyan said all the issues raised by the traders and consumers have been resolved.

“We had formed a committee to look into the problems at the Urban Haat. The committee held consultation with the stakeholders including the traders and the local people. Accordingly the issues were resolved,” he said.

The state government had constructed the Urban Haat on 1.62 acre of land adjacent to Taladanda canal near Malgodown at Chhatrabazar in the City with a cost of Rs 3.22 crore. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated it on September 16.

But the Haat was not operational due to a dispute over allotment of ‘Pindis’ (space for shops) among the local traders. While the CMC had constructed around 533 Pindis, 800 traders made the claim to set up their shops. As a result, the civic body was in a fix over allotment process.

Besides, the traders pointed out other problems including inadequate supply of water, poor power connection and disposal of garbage on the Haat premises.

Kalyan said the committee looked into all issues including identification of the traders for allotment of Pindis. “Now, basic amenities are in place inside the Haat. We are also convincing the traders to take possession of their Pindis. The Haat is ready to start the operation,” he added.