Markets of Unit I and Unit IV in Bhubaneswar will be physically verified by the BMC. Telegraph pictures

Bhubaneswar, May 11: The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) is all set to begin physical verification of shops in three major markets of the city — Unit I, Unit IV and Unit III.

During the verification drive, civic authorities will check details of shop owners to ascertain whether there were any discrepancies related to running of shops, such as unauthorised occupation by outsiders and ownership change without permission.

It has been noticed by the civic authorities that many shops in these markets were not being run by their original owners and many were either given on rent or occupied by businessmen whose name were not in the original list.

The discrepancies were not only limited to unauthorised change of ownership, but some shop owners have also occupied space in these markets just by encroaching upon areas that were not included in the original market plan.

BMC sources said while the space in Unit I had become restricted because of encroachments and the entire market area had become vulnerable to mishaps such as fire. In Unit IV some traders were found to have constructed underground structures to store their wares, whereas they are not entitled to do so according to the conditions of the shop allotment.

Members of Unit IV Market Traders’ Association, however, said Unit IV being the biggest market in the city, the general administration department had made many good provisions for traders in 1972.

But later, many buildings in the nearby areas, which were originally allotted as housing plots, started renting out their premises to traders. Vehicles parked near these shops-cum-residences also blocked the road. Many shops have even covered the drains.

“Inside our market, the allotment of shops were meant for storing and selling goods. But it has also come to our notice that many traders are using their allotted premises for residential purposes, causing pollution and damage to the environment, for which people are now showing less interest in Unit IV market.

The volume of business is also on the decline here.

Moreover, as solid waste disposal mechanism is not being carried out properly, especially near the fish market, the filth has made it impossible for many to visit the place,’’ said an office-bearer, who does not want to be named.

“The BMC has also told us on several occasions to upgrade the fish market so that the visitors do not complain regarding its surroundings. But we have no idea when the proposal will actually be implemented. A portion of the Unit IV Market was also given to a private builder to build a complex on public-private-partnership, but the displaced traders are yet to get any rehabilitation,’’ the association members said.

On the other hand, BMC’s draft plan for the multi-storeyed market complex at the present Unit I Market area is already at an advanced stage with the general administration department allotting 2.5 acres for the purpose.

“The preliminary process has already been started. But before that there will be a physical verification in Unit I Market to know the exact number of traders so that in future they could be given preference over allotment,’’ said BMC deputy commissioner Priyadarshi Mohapatra.

“At present 1,500 shops are there inside Unit I Market complex and 1,500 more in the outer periphery. But the entire market has become congested, and in peak business hours, the condition becomes unbearable.

“When the market was established in 1958, it was meant to cater to around 10,000 people. But with the city population reaching the 10 lakh mark, adequate infrastructure development should be provided on priority basis,’’ said a spokesperson for Rajdhani Daily Market Traders’ Association.

“In Unit III Market near Sriya Square, encroachment is the biggest problem,’’ admits a senior BMC official, adding “once the physical verification process is over, the unauthorised occupants can be identified so that the exact number of shop owners could be retained in the market.’’