Indradhanu Market: A Hub of Resilience Amidst Challenges in Bhubaneswar

Overview of Indradhanu Market

BANDANA SETHI, OP

Bhubaneswar: Established in 1991 to enhance the retail landscape of Bhubaneswar, Indradhanu Market, also known as ID Market, occupies 7 acres of land managed by the General Administration department. The Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) oversaw its development, which includes various structures that house banks, government offices, and numerous shops. Initially, the BDA leased commercial spaces and shop-cum-residential units to around 470 traders.

Historical Context and Vendor Displacement

The market's origins date back to August 9, 1991, when approximately 547 small vendors from the Gandhi Market, which had been situated in front of the Nayapalli Durga Mandap since 1987, were displaced due to the construction of a complex for NABARD. While 313 vendors were allocated permanent shops in Indradhanu Market, the remaining 234 were given temporary arrangements with assurances of future permanent relocation.

Over the years, the administration's failure to provide alternative spaces led to these displaced vendors and newcomers establishing their businesses within Indradhanu Market. This situation resulted in the formation of two factions: the Indradhanu Market Business Development Association, representing leaseholders, and the Indradhanu Market Small Traders’ Association, which advocates for temporary and new vendors.

Despite the absence of formal coordination, both groups have coexisted for 35 years. However, their lack of permanent settlement has made them vulnerable to frequent eviction attempts by the BMC and BDA, creating ongoing anxiety about their livelihoods.

Daily Operations and Community Engagement

Indradhanu Market operates daily from 9 am to 11 pm, closing on the third Saturday of each month. The evening market, organized by the small traders’ association, attracts large crowds, especially during the weekly markets held on Thursdays and Sundays.

Shoppers from nearby areas such as Nayapalli, IRC Village, Salia Sahi, Shastri Nagar, Bharatpur, Jayadev Vihar, and Samantarapur visit the market for a variety of goods, including vegetables, fruits, tribal products, meat, toys, betel items, chaat, and handia.

Challenges Faced by Traders

Currently, around 600 traders are grappling with numerous challenges. Many vendors operate under makeshift tarpaulin sheets, on pushcarts, or directly on the ground due to the absence of organized vending spaces. The BMC's inconsistent cleaning efforts exacerbate the situation, forcing traders to handle waste disposal independently, which also inconveniences shoppers.

With no municipal lighting available during peak evening hours, traders depend on generators for power. The association manages two toilets and one urinal, funded by a daily fee of Rs 5 collected from active vendors.

Despite three joint surveys conducted by the BDA, General Administration department, and BMC for permanent rehabilitation, no lasting solutions have been implemented.

Community Spirit and Leadership

In spite of these difficulties, the market thrives with a strong community spirit. It hosts an elaborate six-day Ganesh Puja, which includes an Annachhatra (free meal service) and a Bhagabat Ashtaprahari devotional program, all at no cost to the traders.

Elections for the small traders’ association president occur every two to three years on a day when the market is closed. Any member can run for the position, and the general body committee votes for the winner. Notably, Anjan Nath has held the presidency for the past 21 years without facing any opposition.

Leadership of the Indradhanu Market Small Traders’ Association

■ President: Anjan Nath
■ Vice President: Kuna Hota
■ Secretary: Prashant Routray
■ Joint Secretary: Babban Sahu
■ Treasurers: Subash Panda & Kalandi Sahu

Voices from the Market

Without rehabilitating the traders, the BMC comes at its own discretion and repeatedly evicts them. As a result, traders have been running their livelihoods from their stalls and shops amid uncertainty for years. The BMC should provide them permanent spaces at the earliest. Waterlogging has also become a major problem in the market and needs to be addressed.

ANJAN NATH | INDRADHANU MARKET
SMALL TRADERS’ ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT

The GA department and BMC jointly conducted three surveys to rehabilitate us. The then BMC commissioner, PC Chaudhary, had also informed the department in writing about our rehabilitation. But years have passed without any facilities being provided. We have repeatedly demanded that the BMC take over the market currently being managed by the association, collect taxes and provide basic facilities. That, too, has not happened.

PRASHANT ROUTRAY | INDRADHANU MARKET
SMALL TRADERS’ ASSOCIATION SECRETARY