Bhubaneswar Market Building Shopkeepers Threaten Indefinite Closure Over Makeshift Stalls Issue

Bhubaneswar: Shopkeepers in Unit 2 Market Building, located in the capital city of Odisha, are threatening to close the shopping complex indefinitely if the local authorities do not address the issues concerning makeshift stalls within three days. The shopkeepers are also planning to stage a dharna (sit-in protest) in front of the residences of Mayor Solochana Das and Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner Vijay Amruta Kulange to draw attention to the matter.

The shopkeepers have raised concerns that some individuals have set up temporary vending stalls in the Market Building, effectively encroaching on the space. These makeshift stalls are causing congestion and causing significant problems for the owners of permanent shops within the complex. Additionally, the shopkeepers allege that certain BMC officials are receiving bribes from the owners of the makeshift stalls, providing them with protection.

Despite having approached the BMC multiple times to address the issue of makeshift stalls, no action has been taken, according to Pradyumna Kumar Jena, the president of the Unit 2 Central Market Association. Consequently, the shopkeepers have decided to close their shops indefinitely if the civic authorities fail to resolve the matter within the stipulated three-day period.

To express their dissatisfaction with the authorities’ inaction, the shopkeepers, along with their family members, plan to stage a dharna in front of the residences of the Mayor and BMC Commissioner. Their intention is to protest against the authorities’ negligence in resolving the issue.