Bhubaneswar: Hit by the Covid-19 lockdown, the artisans and traders of Ekamra Haat, situated in the heart of the capital city Bhubaneswar have now been severely hit due to disruption in power and water supply to the market.
Traders allege that the supply of the essential power and water to the haat has been stopped since July 31. The situation is forcing the artisans from and outside of Odisha to depend of lamps and candles for their work after sun set.
Sources said the local authorities are planning to renovate Ekamra Haat and so have removed the supply of the water and electricity.
On the other hand, the stall owners at the market alleged that supplies were cut without any prior notice and even the haat authorities are also not allowing customers in the evening.
A trader Ashutosh Paramguru alleged, “There is no power or water supply in the haat. We are even facing problem in getting potable water."
An artisan from Jammu and Kashmir, Mohammed Hussain adds that there is no electricity since the last five days. "We were already struggling for livelihood due to the lockdown but I was hopeful to make out some money after the restrictions were eased since August first. But due to the power and water problems, we are unable to show products to the customers. I request the State government to help us," said Hussain.
Secretary of Ekamra Haat Artisans’ Association, Chintamani Biswal criticised the move of the concerned administration.
“Artisans from across the State and country have been stranded here since the Covid-19 lockdown and their miseries have doubled after the cut in the supply of power and water in the haat,” questioned Biswal.
Ekamra Haat, a craft village is an initiative led by the Odisha government to promote not just the local crafts, but handiworks from across India. Modelled on the lines of Dilli Haat, the Ekamra Haat was set up in the year 2002.
(Edited By Suryakant Jena)
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