Sambalpur, 15th July 2025: The central area of Sambalpur, where the old Mudipada bus stand and SDA Market Complex were previously located, now lies vacant and unused. The SDA had initiated the construction of a modern market complex with an auditorium on this land. Tenders had been finalized and work orders issued. The remaining structures of the old market complex have now been demolished.
The BJD has demanded that this valuable location be put to proper use by constructing a state-of-the-art market complex with an auditorium capable of seating at least 700–800 people. They proposed that it also be developed as a cultural hub like Delhi Haat or Ekamra Haat to promote Sambalpuri culture, cuisine, and handlooms, as well as host cultural events.
On Thursday, a BJD delegation met the SDA Vice Chairman and Sambalpur Municipal Corporation (SMC) Commissioner Vedabhushan to discuss this and other pressing civic issues.
The BJD pointed out that Sambalpur is a rapidly growing urban area, and attractive parks should be developed. Roads, drainage systems, water supply, and cleanliness must be improved in Sambalpur, Burla, and Hirakud areas. They also stressed the need for electrification where required, especially in the 12 panchayats merged under the Municipal Corporation.
Key demands included:
Improvement of roads and water supply in the merged panchayat areas
Modernization of schools
Construction of Kalyan Mandaps (community halls) in Burla and Hirakud
Development of vending zones and market complexes in Sambalpur, Burla, and Hirakud
Creation of a park and waterbody in open land near Hirakud dam reservoir
Operationalizing the SDA-constructed food plaza at Sambalpur bus stand and reviving market complexes
Construction of a market complex on the northern bank of the Mahanadi, especially in Chipilima and Gosala areas
Repair of roads and drainage in Ward No. 34, Dhanupali, Charbati, and Gobindtola
Renovation of the only Kalyan Mandap in Hirakud town
Completion of Mahatab Nagar road in Burla
Installation of modern traffic systems at key city junctions
Speedy completion of Golbazar redevelopment and transferring shops to vendors to streamline the market system
The delegation included former BJD State Secretary Sanjeet Mohanty, former district Vice-President Gokul Meher, MD Sanaulla, Mohammed Murtuza, Dhooren Debata, former district General Secretary Duryodhan Mohanty, former district Youth Vice-President Sumit Patel, former district Student General Secretary Chuman Pradhan, former City Secretary Shubham Sahu, and youth leader Chitrasen Nayak.