Will Bhubaneswar face a vegetable supply crisis from October 20? Such speculations are now rife as the Unit 1 vegetable traders’ association has threatened not to import vegetables demanding fulfilment of their demands.
The association alleged that several traders have obstructed the main road for which vegetable-laden vehicles are not able to enter the market. Though the matter was discussed with senior Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) officials, no steps have been taken to resolve their grievances.
“Nearly 1,000 vehicles from various states like Kolkata, Ranchi, and others come to the market to deliver the vegetable stocks. There are only two roads to the market. But during the festive season, vehicles are unable to enter the market due to encroachment and other problems,” said a trader.
Kabiraj Swain, president of the vegetable traders’ association said, “An illegal market for selling winter clothes and other articles has come up on the roads. They did not allow our vehicles to enter the market during Ganesh Puja. We had given a written complaint to the BMC, but no step was taken to clear the road.”
Swain further said that they will stop importing vegetables even though their shops will remain open.
BMC Commissioner, Vijay Amruta Kulange said, “It is the festive season and we appeal to everybody to cooperate so that the citizens of Bhubaneswar do not face any problems. For us, citizens are a priority and we will sort the issue through discussions.”