Bhubaneswar: Following the closure of Market Building that started from today as a token of protest, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner Vijay Amruta Kulange sought the cooperation of 165 permanent shop owners. Discussion will help find a solution to the problem, he said.

“Makeshift vendors in the shopping arena in Unit-II possess the order of Orissa High Court. Hence, we will hold discussion among all stakeholders to find out a solution for their rehabilitation. A decision in this regard will be taken after necessary legal consultation,” the BMC Commissioner stated.

Previously, two rounds of discussions were held among the stakeholders and as the issue involves legal complications and the rehabilitation process is a time-consuming affair, Kulange appealed to give more time. BMC is keen to sort out the demand to shift the temporary vendors elsewhere outside Market Building. However, cooperation of the permanent shop owners is needed, he emphasised.

Worth mentioning, Market Building was closed earlier in the day for an indefinite period as the 165 shop owners resorted to agitation to press their demand of evicting makeshift shops from the area.

As the BMC didn't evict the makeshift shops, the Central Market Traders' Association decided for closure of Market Building from today, president of the association Pradyumna Kumar Jena expressed.