Bhubaneswar: There was no let-up in the rush for withdrawing money and exchanging demonetised notes in several cities of Odisha, as serpentine queues in front of banks and ATMs were a common sight even on Sunday.
Anxious people formed queues at banks to exchange and deposit their demonetised Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes and they made beelines at ATM kiosks to withdraw money.
Sunday is the fourth working day of banks since the demonetisation was announced on November 8.
"I did not get time to deposit my old denominations as I am working in a private firm. Since today is my off day, I have come to bank to deposit the money. But looking at the long queues, I don't think my turn will come," said Vivekananda Sahu, a resident of Bhubaneswar.
The scenario at the ATMs was no different. Long queues were witnessed at the ATMs in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar. However, the rush appeared to have declined compared to the last two days.
Many ATMs were also found shut after they ran out of cash.
Meanwhile, Black Money Special Investigation Team (SIT) Vice Chairman Justice Arijit Pasayat on Sunday said the union government has taken a bold step by demonetising Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes.
He, however, said the problems being faced by the common people could have been avoided.
"The decision of the Centre is definitely a welcome step. But the problems of the common people arising out of the demonetisation could have been avoided. However, we have to understand that certain problems have to be there whenever strong steps are taken," said Pasayat.
He said the SIT had advised in its interim report, submitted to the Supreme Court six months back, to demonetise the higher scale notes to curb black money.
Renowned sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik has created a sand sculpture on demonetisation move at Puri beach in Odisha. The sculpture, which lauds Prime Minister Narendra Modi's move to curb black money, bears the message, "Beginning of a Clean India and RIP Black Money".