Rural weekly haats are in a mess

JAGATSINGHPUR: AT a time when the State Government is strengthening the marketing linkage in rural areas for sale and promotion of local products, several weekly 'haats' in the district are in a shambles due to lack of maintenance. The weekly markets, which were playing a major role in rural economy, are yet to get a new lease of life.The historical Somanath 'haat' situated in Jagatsinghpur town has been lying neglected since long. The oldest organised market lacks basic amenities such as  sanitation, drainage system, water supply, electricity and proper road connectivity. Small vendors and traders of rural areas used to sell their products at the 'haat' which runs twice a week every Tuesday and Saturday.

Similarly, more than 50 rural 'haats' in Dihashai, Alana, Kendal, Manadashai, Allipingal, Balikuda, Borikina, Jaipur, Rahama, Jhankada, Kujang and Tirtol of the district are in a state of neglect.
Thousands of people from Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, Puri and Kendrapara districts visit these 'haats' to get rural products and fresh vegetables at low price. Be it crockery, utensils, groceries, cattle, clothes for kids, bed sheets, bamboo products, fish, meat or any other item of daily use, these bazaars were considered to be the best option. But at present, these 'haats' are lying neglected due to lack of fund and maintenance by Regulated Market Committees (RMCs). Kujang, Rahama and Jaipur 'haats' are famous for fresh vegetables and their clientele consists of all sections of society.  The weekly 'haat' system was a big relief to the middle class, sources said.

Small vendors alleged that the 'haats,' which provide the first organised platform for local agricultural producer, artisans and weavers to sell their produces at one place, are lying in a dilapidated condition. These 'haats' have failed to attract consumers due to lack of facilities like sanitation, road, drinking water supply and electricity. Local vendors and artisans are facing stiff competition from urban traders with opening of malls and market complexes. On the other hand, the State Government and district administration are yet to take steps for revival of these 'haats,' they said.

 A local trader, Sarat Chandra Sahu, said there is no infrastructural facilities like platforms with permanent roofing, sanitation, provision of drinking water, compound wall, drainage, barbed wire fencing and parking in the weekly 'haats.'  Similarly, Krushak Bazaar, which was set up by the State Government adjacent to Somanath 'haat' to sell farmers' produces in 2003, is yet to be functional due to dispute between the RMC and traders.Contacted, Sub-Collector Subash Chandra Nath Sharma said the administration has not received any proposal seeking fund for renovation of rural 'haats' from regulated marketing committees.