Vegetable Sellers In Bhubaneswar Put Planned Strike Over ‘Blocked Road’ On Hold

Bhubaneswar: Vegetable vendors, who had warned to stop sale of vegetables in Odisha capital from October 20, have put their protest on hold. 

The decision was taken after Unit-I Market Vegetable Traders’ Association members met Bhubaneswar (Central) MLA Ananta Narayan Jena and the legislator assured them that their demands will be fulfilled, said association president Kabiraj Swain said on Thursday.

The demand of the vegetable vendors centered on removing what they called ‘encroachments’ on a road through which trucks, tempos, mini-trucks and other vehicles carrying vegetables reach the market.

There are two approach roads to the market. One of the roads has been completely blocked by temporary shops selling winter garments, festival items and a puja pandal because of which goods vehicles have been unable to reach the market for unloading the vegetables since Ganesh puja. When the vendors took up the matter with the association, they were told to use another road located in a residential area, but the residents opposed the movement of vegetable-laden vehicles in their locality.

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

With the matter remaining unresolved, the association then decided to stop selling vegetables from October 20.

Notably, around 1,000 vehicles from outside places including Kolkata, Ranchi and others come to the market to deliver the vegetables on daily basis.