Bhubaneswar, Feb. 2: The renovation project of the Unit-IV fish market here has not moved an inch though a decision in this regard was taken about three years ago.

The renovation project was planned with an aim to create proper infrastructure so that wholesalers and retailers can sell their products in a hygienic atmosphere. However, the plans have remained on paper only.

In 2010, it was planned that the wholesale market would be segregated from the retailers’ market and would subsequently be relocated elsewhere in an air-conditioned market. Similarly, it was also planned that the retailers would be provided with a good platform, including an air-conditioned market at Unit-IV, to maintain better hygienic standards.

Former councillor of the area Sasmita Nanda said that the decision to renovate the market was taken during her time. A process was also started to renovate the project. However, the project could not be materialised during her time due to certain problems.

The fish vendors could not be provided a temporary alternate location for carrying out their business. Besides, they were not ready to co-operate for this programme at that time. “I had managed to convince them. It was a dream project for me and I was planning to make it true, but the authorities were not that much interested in the project,” said Nanda.

According to the proposal, the fish market of the Unit-IV was supposed to be converted into a hygienic non-vegetarian complex with air-conditioned facility. The current mandis were there for the retail allotees. The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation was planning to convert it to a modern market place.

While there are 40 fish wholesalers at the Unit-IV market, more than 200 retailers are setting up their shops in this second big market of the city. For non-vegetarians, it is the biggest market in Bhubaneswar.

The authorities were planning to give the traders a place behind the MLA Colony to temporarily continue with their business, but it could not be done. Initially, it was thought that the construction of the building for the modern fish market would be completed within one year. However, the work could not be started.

“Like the multi-storey structure in the front portion of the Unit-IV market, we were planning to erect another structure at the back making the entire complex an ‘L’ type structure. The fish market can be a part of that second market or just an extension to that,’’ said another corporation official.

Sk Mustafa, president of the fish traders’ association, said that there was indeed a plan for shifting wholesalers to a different place and provide a better platform to the retailers here.

“But, no one knows why it could not be materialised.,” said Mustafa.

Mayor Ananta Narayan Jena said that there was a plan for an integrated fish market in the area with all modern facilities. “While there was a plan to locate the wholesalers to an air-conditioned complex near Palasuni, the retail market would remain at Unit-IV. The shifting of wholesale market to Palasuni was aimed at making the surrounding environment-friendly at Unit-IV,’’ said Jena.