The area, where the Gobindtola market in Sambalpur was operational, lies abandoned. Telegraph Picture

Sambalpur, Sept. 10: The vegetable market at Gobindtola in the city portrays a picture of utter chaos.

The complex had been developed to accommodate roadside vendors and end traffic congestion. However, it has failed to serve its purpose.

The vendors, who were operating along the Dhanupali-Gobindtola Road, Dhanupali Chhak, Jail Chhak and Nelson Mandela Chhak had been given space in the market complex. But now, most of them have left the market building due to utter lack of basic amenities inside the compound.

The Sambalpur Municipality developed the Gobindtola market on one acre in January 2013. The civic body had provided space to 106 vegetable vendors in the complex. The entire complex was barricaded.

“The municipality, however, failed to provide basic facilities to sellers and buyers in the market compound. Because of the absence of the required facilities, the vendors have left the place en masse and are back on street again,” said Chinmaya Pradhan, a frequent visitor to the market.

“Had the civic body provided concrete platforms, toilets and other basic amenities, such a situation could have been averted,” he said.

“Customers appear to be reluctant in visiting the market. We had operated from there for a few days. But later, we had no option but to leave the place,” said a vendor, who had been allotted space in the market.

Municipal engineer B. Padhee admitted that the market was lying abandoned.

“We have taken a decision to redevelop the market. We will construct toilets and concrete platforms with asbestos roofs. All roadside vendors will be accommodated in the market, and it will be made operational again.”