Krushak Bazaar in Cuttack. Picture by Badrika Nath Das

Cuttack, June 5: Krushak Bazaar, one of the major daily vegetable marts of the city, is set for a makeover after almost a couple of years.

Officials of the Regulated Market Committee have chalked out a plan to address basic issues that were creating problems for consumers as well as traders at the daily market.

A budget of Rs 66 lakh has been prepared to upgrade the bazaar’s infrastructure, including construction of a boundary wall to protect the vacant spaces from encroachments. Besides, concrete roads and pavements will be built to facilitate movement of consumers in the market. Official sources said Rs 21.53 lakh would be spent to build the fish and meat counters, Rs 9.66 lakh for vegetable cover-shed and Rs 5 lakh for creating a parking lot adjacent to the market.

“Though the work order for various works was issued, there was a delay in executing the proposals due to enforcement of the model code of conduct for the general election. Necessary construction will be taken up shortly,” said sub-collector Sudarshan Parida.

The state government set up the bazaar through the committee to help farmers sell their produce directly to the consumers.

At present, 144 traders are engaged in procurement and sale of vegetables, while another 65 traders have been provided space at the market to sell fish and meat at a dedicated centre. Residents of several localities, including Bidanasi, CDA, Shelter Chhak, Deula Sahi and nearby areas, depend on this daily vegetable market.

“Sanitation, waterlogging and lack of parking space are creating problems for hundreds of consumers visiting the market, and so far, things are yet to change here,” said CDA resident Umakant Das.

Official sources said that to provide the consumers basic amenities, two toilet blocks would be set up for Rs 3.5 lakh while a provision for two tube wells had also been made under the master plan.

As part of the ongoing plan, adequate measures will be taken to address the waterlogging problem as Rs 6 lakh will be spent towards construction of a drainage channel at the market.

On November 4 last, the traders at Krushak Bazaar observed a one-day token strike against lack of basic facilities at the market.

“There was an urgent requirement to address basic issues for which consumers were reluctant to come to the market,” said Biswajit, a trader.