Bhubaneswar Market Building Standoff: BMC Seeks 3-4 Days for Resolution

Bhubaneswar: Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has reportedly urged shopkeepers of Unit-2 Market Building in the capital city to reopen the complex, which has been closed for the past 10 days. BMC Commissioner Vijay Amruta Kulange has requested three to four days to address the issues concerning makeshift vending stalls at the Market Building.

The Central Market Association of Market Building closed the shopping complex on July 17, demanding the immediate removal of makeshift vending stalls from the area. The association alleges that these makeshift stalls have encroached upon the Market Building, causing congestion and difficulties for the owners of permanent shops.

The shopkeepers claim that despite repeated appeals, the BMC has not taken action to evict the makeshift stalls since 2020. Moreover, they allege that some BMC officials are accepting bribes to protect the owners of the makeshift stalls.

The Central Market Association insists on reopening their shops only after receiving written confirmation from the BMC that all makeshift vending stalls have been removed from the complex.

Earlier, the Odisha Traders’ Association had threatened to close all major markets in Bhubaneswar indefinitely in protest against the BMC’s failure to resolve the Market Building issue.