TV
Even seven days after its inauguration, the newly constructed smart vegetable market, also known as the urban haat, now wears a deserted look in Cuttack. Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated the haat on September 16, 2023. However, traders are yet to reap the benefits of the project as controversy has erupted over the allotment of pindis (concrete structures) which will be used by them to sell their vegetables.
The Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) has constructed around 540 such pindis. However, the traders' number is over 800. The civic body seems to be in a fix over the identification of the traders to complete the allotment process.
The Chhatrabazar traders' association said whatever pindis have been constructed, it is not adequate.
Swagat Pradhan, a trader said, " The Haat is yet to start despite its inauguration by CM Naveen Patnaik. We have not been told anything by the CMC officials. Only after our Sahi committee passes any information, we will decide on it."
Devendra Sahoo, Secretary of the Chhatrabazar Traders' Association said, "We will resolve the issue. Our process is to ascertain the total strength and the number of traders. We hope to complete it in the next two to three days, else will discuss the matter with the administration."
Akashay Sahu, a trader said, "The daily charge of Rs 25 is a little high as we also have to pay Chhatrabazar and Malgodown also."
CMC Mayor, Subhas Singh said, " We have spent around Rs 5 crore and it has been constructed for a larger interest. The fee is for maintenance and security purposes. We will look into the grievances of the traders."
