The long-awaited transformation of the Unit-4 Non-Vegetarian Market (popularly known as the No. 4 Fish & Meat Market) under Ward No. 36 is finally moving ahead, with the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) preparing a master plan that promises modern facilities and an end to years of congestion and unhygienic conditions.
On Sunday morning, Bhubaneswar Mayor Sulochana Das, Municipal Commissioner Chanchal Rana and senior BMC officials made a detailed on-site inspection of the market. The team held extensive discussions with shopkeepers and customers on issues ranging from waste management and sanitation to traffic congestion caused by haphazard parking.
Speaking to the media after the visit, Mayor Sulochana Das announced that the market will undergo a complete facelift. “New permanent shops, dedicated parking zones for both vendors and customers, a modern slaughterhouse, and wider approach roads will be constructed,” she said. She added that a detailed plan is being finalised, following which the process of removing illegal encroachments will begin immediately.
Commissioner Chanchal Rana issued a stern warning to traders occupying space through unauthorised constructions, stating that all illegal structures inside the market premises will be demolished without exception. He also directed shopkeepers to stop dumping fish and meat waste on roads and instead store it in designated plastic drums for proper collection. “Strict action will be taken against those who fail to follow the instructions,” Rana cautioned.
The Unit-4 market has long been a pain point for residents due to chronic traffic jams, overflowing waste, and lack of parking space, especially on weekends. The BMC’s decision to prioritise its redevelopment has been welcomed by regular customers who have been demanding better infrastructure for years.
With the master plan in its final stages, the civic body has assured that the revamp will not only improve hygiene and convenience but also give the market a modern look befitting Odisha’s capital city. Work on removing encroachments is expected to start as soon as the blueprint receives formal approval.
