The municipal corporation had chalked out a plan to build a modern complex that will replace the old Unit-I Daily Market. However, till that becomes a reality, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) on September 11 adopted a few measures to keep the existing market area clean. A month later, The Telegraph checks out what’s happening at the city’s oldest market

Broken barrier

Public works department had constructed a truck barrier to restrict their movement on roads connecting Unit-I Daily Market to other parts of the city as it creates problem for light vehicles and pedestrians. But it is now lying broken. Residents near the market demand that the barrier be repaired immediately. The municipal authority, on the other hand, is planning to move the godowns and stores to faraway Patrapada to minimize the entry of heavy vehicles in future.

No room for walkers

Moving on the road near the market is very difficult as two and three-wheelers do not adhere to traffic norms. Customers have to face unwanted honking, as the market authorities fail to control movement of the vehicles. Stray bulls also roam inside the market complex.

Subway blues

The only subway in the city connects market with Market Building in Unit II, but most of the time, especially in the evening, the entrance to the subway are clogged by vendors. Though there is an underground market inside the subway, people often skip the subway because of heavy congestion.

Too much of display

Several shop owners inside the market have encroached upon the space marked for the movement of visitors. The situation continues to be the same despite drives against encroachment by the municipal authority. Too many items on display also block the paths of the customers. Such encroachments come in the way any rescue operation. Use of polythene sheets also raises the danger level.

Untidy surroundings

The municipal corporation has adopted a resolution to make the use of garbage bins compulsory, but the drive is yet to begin in the daily market. The corporation has decided to levy user’s charges on each trader depending on the size of the establishment. However, the charges will be collected only after government approves the proposal.

Drainage woes

Drainage inside the market is a problem and during the rains, entering the market becomes a difficult task due to muddy and slippery roads. Till the new market complex comes up, there is need to ensure better drainage and proper roads so that customers can walk smoothly. Existing drains are also in a bad shape due to indiscriminate dumping of garbage.

Text by Bibhuti Barik,
pictures by Ashwinee Pati

Dirty business