BANDANA SETHI, OP
Bhubaneswar: The Nageswar Tangi market began in 1993 with just a few traders. Initially, the vendors operated along Lewis Road. Frequent traffic congestion and accidents eventually prompted the BMC to relocate them to the Nageswar Tangi area.
However, the traders were shifted in haste, and little infrastructure was provided at the new location. For years, they continued their business under makeshift tarpaulin shelters. Four months ago, renovation work finally began at the market. But with little alternative space available nearby, traders have been forced to operate along the roadside, exposed to the elements.
The market currently has around 70 traders, most of them vegetable sellers. About 50-55 traders sell vegetables, while the remaining vendors sell fish. The market usually operates from 7 a.m. to noon.
There are no lights at the market, meaning trading does not continue into the evening. A single toilet and two tube wells are the only basic facilities available. Traders depend on the tube wells to meet their water needs.
Renovation brings hope
The traders have long paid fees to the BMC for using the market. The daily charge, which was initially Re 1, was later increased to Rs 5 and now stands at Rs 10.
Despite collecting the fees, the market had remained without adequate facilities for years. Repeated demands and representations by traders have now led to renovation work.
The project has an estimated cost of around Rs 1.60 crore and is expected to provide more than 100 permanent stalls (Pindi). Previously, there were no proper stalls at the market.
Most of the traders currently operating here have been coming from Uttara, Kapileswar, Balakati, Bankual and Pipili for years. There are no local traders at present.
Once the renovation is completed, the existing traders will be given priority for allotment of stalls, while the remaining stalls are planned to be allotted to local traders.
High prices, complaints over weighing
Apart from infrastructure problems, shoppers have also raised concerns about high prices and alleged manipulation of weighing scales. Traders here are accused of charging considerably more than at other markets. For instance, a vegetable selling for Rs 30 at Unit-I market may cost around Rs 50 here, according to complaints from customers.
Price disputes between traders and customers are therefore common. There have also been allegations that some traders cheat customers while weighing produce. On several occasions, such disputes have reportedly escalated to police complaints.
The lack of parking has added to the problem. Customers and traders often park their vehicles along the road, causing congestion and creating difficulties for residents and commuters passing through the area.
Common weighing machine planned
According to local corporator Nrupesh Nayak, the renovation project is expected to address several of the market’s longstanding problems.
“After considerable effort, renovation work has finally begun. We are targeting completion of the construction by December. Once the work is over, the problems at the market will be addressed,” Nayak said.
He said a market committee would subsequently be formed in accordance with the BMC’s market policy.
“There have been complaints about high prices and cheating in weighing. Therefore, a common weighing machine will be installed at a prominent location in the market. If any customer has doubts about the weight of the goods purchased, they can verify it on the machine,” he said.
For traders who have spent decades selling their wares under tarpaulin sheets and for customers navigating a congested roadside market, the renovation offers hope that Nageswar Tangi’s old bazaar will finally get the infrastructure it has long needed.