Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (Idco) will add additional facilities at the three urban haats in Bhubaneswar, Puri and Konark to make these financially viable after the units suffered substantial losses in the past decade.
Idco had set up and maintains the modern markets in collaboration with handlooms, textiles and handicrafts department. Sources said except the market in Bhubaneswar, the other two had failed in incurring expenditure.
"The chief secretary reviewed the functioning of the markets and showed concern over the financial burden these were imposing on the government. He directed us to come up with plans to make these facilities viable," said an Idco official.
He said they had vetted the concept with the handicrafts department and decided to add certain facilities to attract more people. "The plan was to make these markets tourist destinations. It has succeeded somewhat, but we need more," said the official.
The government, with 50 per cent financial assistance from the Union ministry of textile, had set up the markets between 2002 and 2004. These have food kiosks, crafts and textile shops, green spaces, amphitheatres and hangout zones. An official said they would introduce sporting and other physical activities in public-private-partnership mode to attract visitors from different age groups. "We are working out the plans and will submit it to the government for approval," said an official of the handicrafts department.
According to the income and expenditure data of the three markets, the urban haats in Konark and Puri do not incur even 50 per cent of what Idco spends on their maintenance every year. The Ekamra Haat in Bhubaneswar, however, has broken even after incurring losses initially.
"Ekamra Haat is one of the best places to spend time with family and friends. It has good facilities and security environment. However, if sports and other similar activities are introduced, it would lure more people. It should also be kept open longer," said Priya Mehra, a visitor to the market.
