Bhubaneswar, May 23: The central part of the market building at Unit-II here, which was a bone of contention among the local traders and temporary vendors, has now got a facelift following the eviction of the unauthorised vendors.
The local traders, along with the authorities, have decorated the interiors of the market building with ornamental lights, beautiful plants, a fountain and cemented chairs. Besides, they have also installed closed-circuit television cameras to tighten the security. The revamped market building was inaugurated today. This market attracts a huge crowd everyday but temporary vendors were causing inconvenience to the customers.
"We appealed to the authorities several times and then threatened to go for strike. Then, the municipal corporation officials evicted the unauthorised vendors. We took up the revamp and completed it within two months. Now, more people will come here to shop and enjoy the atmosphere," said central market traders' union president Pradyumna Jena.
A local trader said that five years ago, the traders had undertaken the beautification work inside the market, which was later damaged by the temporary vendors. After the civic body's intervention in March, the traders again took up the work. "We spent around Rs 15 lakh to redecorate the market by installing ornamental lights, and putting chairs and benches for people to sit and hang out. The area has also been barricaded so that no one can damage the installations. Besides, we have requested the corporation to make arrangement for a parking space," said the trader.
Besides the revamp, the corporation is also constructing a new toilet at the market. Sources said there is only one public toilet in the market now. Customers welcomed the initiative. "This gives a beautiful look to the market building and it should continue to look like this. The authorities must preserve the beauty of this spot," said Ansuman Rout, a regular visitor to the market.