Bhubaneswar's Premier Non-Veg Market Set for Major Transformation
The largest non-vegetarian market in Bhubaneswar, situated at Unit IV, is poised for a comprehensive makeover as the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has drafted an ambitious renovation plan. This development comes following a surprise inspection conducted by top civic officials who assessed the current conditions of the market facility.
Surprise Inspection Reveals Critical Issues
BMC mayor Sulochana Das and commissioner Chanchal Rana, accompanied by concerned officers, made an unannounced visit to the market on Sunday morning. The inspection aimed to evaluate both the interior conditions and peripheral areas of the bustling market. After thoroughly examining the facility, Mayor Das immediately directed the engineering department to conduct a detailed survey and submit a comprehensive report to facilitate the commencement of renovation work.
According to BMC officials, the market currently suffers from multiple challenges that hinder customer experience and vendor operations. The rows of vending kiosks are excessively congested and cluttered, creating minimal movement space for customers. Additionally, the market grapples with significant sanitation problems that result in foul odors permeating the area, compounded by an acute parking space shortage.
Comprehensive Renovation Strategy
Mayor Sulochana Das confirmed that the engineering wing has been instructed to prepare a renovation plan within one week. "The engineering wing has been asked to prepare a plan within a week to take up renovation. Encroachments in the market will be removed," stated Das. She emphasized that the proposed plans would include creating adequate parking facilities for both vendors and customers, addressing one of the market's most pressing issues.
The market currently accommodates approximately 150 temporary fish vendors who operate daily without designated spaces, contributing significantly to congestion and unsanitary conditions. While BMC collects a daily fee of Rs 10 from these vendors, the absence of proper facilities has remained a persistent problem. The situation is further complicated by the presence of 17 meat vendor outlets that remain inaccessible due to encroachment by roadside fish vendors, forcing meat sellers to conduct business on the streets.
Addressing Vendor Management and Sanitation
Kishor Behera, a local resident, highlighted the chaotic and unhygienic environment created by these conditions. "This has added to the problem, creating a chaotic and unhygienic environment. BMC needs to fix the problem first," Behera remarked, echoing the concerns of many regular market visitors.
As part of the revitalization strategy, the BMC plans to conduct videography during the survey to document and enlist all vendors operating in the area. City engineer Narad Rath explained the sanitation improvements planned: "We will evolve a new plan to dispose of the animal waste. Vendors are required to use designated dustbins and dispose of the waste in time so that it doesn't decompose and foul smell doesn't spread in the area."
This comprehensive approach is expected to significantly improve sanitary conditions and provide a cleaner, more organized environment for both vendors and customers, transforming Bhubaneswar's primary non-vegetarian market into a modern, hygienic, and customer-friendly facility.
