By BANDANA SETHI, OP
Bhubaneswar: Spread over nearly eight acres, the Bhoumanagar Haat, popularly known as Unit-4 Market, is one of the oldest and most prominent commercial centres in the state capital. The market was inaugurated October 2, 1974, by the then Chief Minister Nandini Satpathy.
Initially, it was under the Department of Animal Husbandry, before the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) took over its management in 1983. Subsequently, the Bhoumanagar Haat Traders’ Association was formed to look after the interests of the market and its traders. The market remains open daily from 6 am to around 10 pm, except on the last Tuesday of every month.
At present, around 1,200 traders earn their livelihood by operating from designated vending platforms, shop units and open spaces within the market. The sprawling marketplace houses more than 300 vegetable shops, 38 grocery stores, 42 rice warehouses, 10 eateries, 39 wholesale non-vegetarian outlets and around 300 retail meat and fish shops.
It also accommodates shops selling puja essentials, salons and various other commodities. Traders from nearby areas such as Keshura, Nakhara, Athagarh and Kataka, besides different parts of Bhubaneswar, come here to conduct business.
Owing to its strategic location in the heart of the capital, Unit-4 Market serves as a major shopping destination for residents of several localities, including Shastri Nagar, Nayapalli, Acharya Vihar, Saheed Nagar, Unit-2, IRC Village and Laxmisagar.
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Over the past 52 years, the market has evolved into an important commercial lifeline for thousands of traders and residents across Bhubaneswar and its neighbouring areas.
BMC collects lakhs in monthly revenue, but basic facilities remain missing
After taking over the market, the BMC initially collected a monthly tax of just Rs 7 from each trader. However, the charges have increased significantly over the years. At present, the civic body collects Rs 250 per month from vendors operating from designated vending spaces and open areas, while shop owners are charged between Rs 1,500 and Rs 2,000 per month.
Despite generating lakhs of rupees in monthly revenue from the market, the BMC has allegedly failed to provide even basic facilities to traders and customers. One of the major concerns is the absence of public toilets.
The market does not have a single proper toilet facility, while only two urinals are available, which are reportedly not cleaned regularly. Waste, including vegetable peels and other garbage, is often found scattered across the market premises, creating unhygienic conditions. Inadequate lighting is another major concern.
The market also lacks designated parking facilities, forcing customers to bring their vehicles inside the premises. The situation becomes particularly difficult on busy days, especially in the non-vegetarian section, where heavy crowds create congestion and inconvenience for both traders and customers.
Security arrangements are equally inadequate, with no security guards or CCTV cameras installed on the premises. There are also no proper fire safety arrangements to deal with potential emergencies. Encroachment has further added to the market’s woes, with some traders allegedly occupying more space than what was officially allotted to them.
The Bhouma Nagar Haat Traders’ Association has repeatedly submitted written complaints and demands to the BMC, seeking improvements in basic infrastructure and civic amenities. However, the traders claim that no concrete action has been taken so far.
A market known for its temples and festivities
Unlike most markets, which generally have one or two temples within their premises, Bhoumanagar Haat stands out for housing several places of worship. The market has three Trinath temples, along with temples dedicated to Lord Hanuman, Lord Shani and Goddess Tarini, giving it a distinct religious identity.
Ganesh Puja is celebrated with great enthusiasm at the market. Besides, a Makar Mela is organised on Makar Sankranti, while the foundation days of the Shani temple and other temples are also observed with religious fervour.
Various festivals and celebrations are organised at these temples throughout the year, creating a spiritually vibrant atmosphere within the bustling commercial hub.
Traders’ Association elections held every 2 years
The Bhoumanagar Haat Traders’ Association conducts elections every two years to select its president and other office-bearers. The process begins with a general body meeting, followed by the preparation of the voters’ list.