Cuttack: Over 547 shops at the Urban Haat in Chhatra Bazaar, one of Odisha's largest vegetable wholesale markets, have been without electricity for three days due to a prolonged power outage. Traders have been forced to rely on mobile phone flashlights and rechargeable lamps to continue their business, while accusing authorities of neglecting the plight of hundreds of vendors.
Impact on Trading Activities
The power disruption has severely affected trading activities in the market, a key hub for vegetable and agricultural produce that serves Cuttack and several other districts. With no lighting or fans, vendors report unbearable conditions amid rising temperatures and declining customer footfall. Many traders were seen using mobile phone lights to weigh vegetables, handle transactions, and navigate the market after dusk.
Trader Frustration
“We are running our shops with mobile phone torches like it is the Stone Age. For three days, nobody from the authorities has bothered to solve the problem. They collect taxes and fees from us regularly but disappear when we need basic facilities,” said Ramesh Sahu, a vendor. Another trader, Prabhat Behera, added, “We are suffering losses every day.”
Cause of the Crisis
The crisis began when the transformer supplying electricity to the Urban Haat reportedly failed three days ago. Despite repeated complaints from traders, the faulty transformer has not been repaired or replaced, leaving the entire market complex without power.
Mayor's Response
Cuttack mayor Subhash Singh stated, “Officials have been instructed to address the problem on priority. Necessary steps are being taken to restore electricity supply within 24 hours and ensure normal functioning of the market.”
