HC asks shop owners to vacate Ashoka Market by Jan 31

Bhubaneswar: The Orissa High Court today directed shop owners of Ashoka Market complex in Bhubaneswar to vacate the premises and hand over the keys and possession of their establishments to the authorities by January 31.

According to sources, the HC judgement will pave way for development of the Bhubaneswar Town Centre, in which the city railway station and its adjoining area of 12 acres will be developed with various facilities including a multi-modal transport hub. Renowned design consultant Jurong from Singapore will design the hub.

Meanwhile, the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) presented an action taken report before the high court today.

As per the report, a total number of 19 grievances were received from the shop owners and they were heard in person by the Vice Chairman of BDA on four different dates during last month.

Based on the hearing by BDA, it was decided to facilitate relocation of five shop owners to allotted shops at alternate locations.

Similarly, decision was taken to give permission for change of allotment for two shop owners who wanted to take a particular shop other than the one allotted to them after obtaining ‘no objection’ from occupants.

Moreover, the authority decided to consider pleas of ‘allotment change’ through a lottery process.