Accumulated sewage outside Ekamra Haat has made it difficult for local residents to enter or exit this popular hangout. The water from a sewage chamber just outside the haat — on the road connecting Ram Mandir Square and House Board Square — began accumulating last Friday as the sewer line was choked. However, the authorities have still not taken any step to clear the mess. About 10,000 people visit the haat daily. While many purchase exclusive textile products, others frequent the place to have food from the numerous eateries there. “We usually visit the place to have lunch. But the overpowering stench near the gate is too much to bear,” said Sitanshu Sekhar Mohapatra, a private company employee. Even commuters complained about the “disgusting sight”. “We cross this stretch keeping our noses blocked. I wonder how people go to the haat,” said Sagarika Mohanty, a student who takes this road to reach her institution located at Satya Nagar. The water has also blocked access to an ATM counter located near the gate of the haat. “It’s impossible to walk through the dirty water. Though it sounds weird, I had to take lift from a biker to cross this dirty water patch to reach the ATM,” said Nirmal Nanda, a student. A senior official of Industrial Development Corporation of Odisha, the state government agency that takes care of the haat’s maintenance, said: “We have informed public health engineering organisation (PHEO) officials, but no action has been taken.” However, executive engineer of PHEO Division-I Deba Sundar Mohapatra said he was not aware of the matter, as he hadn’t received any complaint. After The Telegraph brought the matter to his notice, he sent his men to check the spot. Text: Sandip Bal, Picture: Sanjib Mukherjee