Krushak Bazar traders protest against waterlogging and other civic issues on Monday and (below) the waterlogged market. Telegraph pictures

Cuttack, Nov. 4: Traders at Krushak Bazar, a daily vegetable wholesale market, observed a day’s token strike to protest against the lack of basic facilities that are causing problems to thousands of buyers who frequent the place.

The protesters blamed authorities of the Regulated Market Committee, Kendupatana, for the lack of parking and sanitation facilities.

“The traders are facing numerous problems at the market, which is the second biggest vegetable market in the city next to Chhatrabazar. Despite several complaints, no step has been taken for the development of the market,” said Nivendra Sethi, secretary of the traders’ association.

Traders are suffering as buyers preferred to avoid the market because of the lack of facilities, Sethi said. Perennial waterlogging due to the absence of drains also added to their woes, he said.

At present, 144 traders are engaged in procurement and sale of vegetables and another 65 have been provided a dedicated space at the market to trade in fish and chicken.

Krushak Bazar was established by the state government as part of its 12-point programme through the Regulated Market Committee to help farmers sell their produce directly to the consumers.

The market caters to the daily vegetable requirement of people of several localities including Bidanasi, CDA, Shelter Chhak, Deula Sahi and other nearby areas.

“We are demanding the deployment of round-the-clock security guards as thieves are stealing our products,” said Biswaji Sethi, a trader.

The traders also want facilities such as a cold storage, toilets and godown at the market. They also want the area to be development and cleared of encroachments.

Krushak Bazar officials assured that steps would be taken to address grievances of the traders at the earliest.

“Tenders have been finalised for construction of a proper drainage system and development of internal roads at the market. Work is expected to begin within a week,” said Krushak Bazar in-charge Bhagaban Das.