Bhubaneswar: During a visit to Bargarh district Wednesday, chairman of Western Odisha Development Council (WODC) and principal advisor to CM Asit Tripathy directed the district administration to shift the ‘Bunakar Bazar’ to a newly-constructed space after witnessing that the weavers were not using the place anymore. This exclusive market constructed by the Textiles and Handlooms department with an estimated cost of Rs 5 crore is equipped with all modern amenities. Tripathy also enquired about the reasons behind the weavers not shifting to the newly-constructed Bunakar Bazar.
Sources revealed that indigenous designs developed by Sambalpuri designers are getting imitated by manufacturers from other states.
Also, non-handloom sarees and dress materials of the same patterns with lesser prices are thronged into the market resulting in a reduction in their products’ demand. Tripathy also directed the Collector to arrange an All India Weavers’ Convention at Bargarh which is to be funded by WODC to create a blueprint for resolving critical issues. Tripathy also visited the memorial of renowned poet Gangadhar Meher at Barpali and declared funds of Rs 1.19 crore for the facelift of the spot.
The proposed site development by WODC includes the construction of the statue, sitting arrangements, cafeteria, and others. He also visited the construction site of Biju Patnaik MultiPurpose Hall adjoining the Govt High School playground at Barpali to take stock of the work. The sports and Youth Services department of Odisha has sanctioned funds amounting to Rs 6 crore for the indoor stadium, gymnasium, and other indoor sports facilities in an area of 5,000 square feet.