Puri: The state government had proposed to set up a market complex for big traders in Puri titled Srikhetra Krushak Bazar.
The aim of the project was to provide better marketing opportunities to the wholesale traders of the district.
Even though the first phase of construction of the godowns has been underway for seven months, the opening of shops is yet to see the light of the day.
The traders of the district alleged that the district administration is not taking any steps for proper distribution of the godown rooms to the big traders.
According to a source, the administration completed the first phase of the construction work of the project in the last seven months. It had constructed 21 godowns by spending around Rs 4 crore in the initial phase.
However, no traders have got the nod from the district administration to start their business in the godowns yet.
Meanwhile, the district administration has also written to the state government seeking grants for the second phase of the construction, sources said. In the second phase, the district administration aims at to construct 17 godown rooms.
Notably, the administration had laid foundation for Srikhetra Krushak Bazar at Samang near Mangalaghat November 4, 2017 to allocate shops and godowns to big traders of the city.
At the foundation laying ceremony, people’s representatives and government officials had claimed that the new project would help reducing congestions in city markets. Besides, heavy vehicles carrying merchandise could easily reach the Krushak Bazar, they claimed.
The construction work for the project was initially delayed due to land acquisition issues. However, the administration has expedited the work by solving all issues related to land acquisition.
PNN