BHUBANESWAR: Even as large amount of funds were spent on the much-hyped beautification works, the Market Building __ popular as the shoppers’ paradise in the city __ today presents a sorry picture. Although beautification drives were taken up under the PPP mode by the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Central Market Association __ a body of traders in the area __ all such initiatives have worn out due to encroachments by street vendors on the market.While the ornamental lights and benches in the market are used by the vendors to display their wares, many of the decorative plants have dried up due to disposal of waste water inside flower pots by owners of makeshift eateries. A water fountain too has been turned into a dump yard with people and vendors dumping waste products there. Likewise, the drinking water facility, set up by the Association, has been rendered defunct, also allegedly by the vendors, and there is just one urinal in the area.Overflowing dust bins and garbage scattered here and there are a common sight.Sources said in 2007, the BMC had started beautification drive in the Market Building under which ornamental lightning arrangement was done, the floor tiled, some staircases built and plantation works undertaken. However, by 2009, many of the ornamental lights were rendered defunct and tiles broken due to lack of maintenance and encroachment by street vendors.The same year, the BMC asked the Central Market Association to carry out further beautification works and restrict entry of two-wheelers and street vendors into the market. Accordingly, sitting arrangements were made, defunct lights repaired and the disorganised market further beautified by the traders’ body.However, due to lack of surveillance by the BMC’s enforcement squad, street vendors again started entering the market and as of today, their number stands at 349 leaving little scope for developmental works. A case in this regard has also been filed by the Association in the Orissa High Court last year.This apart, there is no adequate parking facility in the market. The only parking area available is behind the western tower of the market, but that is too small considering the incessant flow of shoppers and their vehicles.Central Market Association president Rabi Mohanty alleged that the enforcement squad of the BMC does not take steps on a regular basis to free the market from encroachments. “These vendors are a big bottleneck when it comes to construction work. We have brought it to the notice of the BMC officials several times but to no avail,” he said. Mohanty said although there were plans by the BMC to set up another parking space and land was earmarked by the General Administration Department for the purpose, no work has been started yet.Mayor Ananta Narayan Jena said since the Association has moved the High Court and the matter is sub judice, no action on the encroachment can be taken by the BMC for now. Sources said the 500-metre Market Building stretch houses 300 shops and showrooms belonging to the GA and Endowment departments.
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