Bhubaneswar: The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has taken action following a recent controversy and fire incident at Unit 1 Haat and Market in Bhubaneswar. To ensure smooth operations and prevent future disputes, the BMC will introduce Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for 20 major haats and markets in the city.
The BMC will hold formal elections for haat committees in the presence of officials and provide group insurance for all haat shopkeepers. The corporation will also enforce rules strictly to prevent traders from occupying roads and pulling ropes inside the haat.
A massive fire recently damaged over 30 shops in the market, sparking controversy and allegations of communal riots behind the blaze.
The BMC estimates it will cost Rs 186 crore to modernize the Unit 1 market. Discussions are underway to provide financial assistance to affected shopkeepers from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF) and BMC’s own funds.
