Sambalpur: Minabazar Traders Distressed Due to SMC Negligence; People Afraid to Visit Minabazar, Festival Ground in Shambles Due to Mud

Sambalpur’s Sital Sasthi Festival Kicks Off

Sambalpur: Sambalpur’s famous Sital Sasthi festival has begun, with the Nandapada Patarpendi event completed successfully. This festival is deeply connected to the emotions and cultural identity of Sambalpur residents. Therefore, people from all around rush to the city to witness the celebrations. As a result, the entire city is currently in a festive mood.

Minabazar Draws Crowds and Traders

For the festival, a bustling Minabazar has been set up at Ainthapali PhD Padia. Many traders from different regions have come here, hoping for good business due to the large crowds. In fact, the market boasts over 100 stalls and features five to seven types of swings, all arranged to attract visitors.

However, Traders Left Disappointed

Despite all these preparations, the traders are feeling disheartened. Why? They blame the Sambalpur Municipal Corporation (SMC) for its poor handling of the market arrangements. Reportedly, the SMC hurriedly leveled the ground and handed over the PhD Padia area for the Minabazar, without proper preparation.

Heavy Rain Makes Minabazar a Mess

Moreover, due to the recent low-pressure system, Sambalpur saw heavy rainfall on Tuesday and Wednesday. As a result, the entire Minabazar area has become muddy and waterlogged. Everywhere you look, there is sticky mud, making it nearly impossible for people to walk around.

Entry Roads Also Covered in Mud

Additionally, both entry roads to the Minabazar are covered in mud. Consequently, customers hesitate to either walk or drive inside. Even those who manage to enter end up thinking twice about moving further into the market. To make matters worse, there is no drainage system to remove the rainwater. Rainwater has accumulated in front of every stall, forming puddles.

Stall Owners Struggle to Stay Open

In response, some stall owners have laid out cloths in front of their shops to cover the mud, while others have dug small channels to drain out the water. The alleys are filled with garbage, adding to the mess. Although swings were set up expecting good business, customers cannot even reach them because of the muddy conditions.

Traders Demand Immediate Action

One swing operator expressed frustration, saying the entire business has collapsed due to the mud. Therefore, Sambalpur residents are now demanding that the SMC urgently clean the area, clear the garbage, and provide proper drainage and walking paths in Minabazar.