Bhubaneswar, Nov 4: Khaogali, one of the most popular street-food destinations in Bhubaneswar, is at risk of being shut down as the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) moves to cancel allotments and evict vendors operating near Ram Mandir for failing to pay rent.

The BMC has submitted a proposal at its recent meeting, alleging that despite two reductions in the monthly rent, vendors operating food vans and kiosks at the site have failed to make payments, resulting in a loss of revenue for the local government.

Earlier this year, in April, the civic body issued an order to close the food zone due to non-payment of rent, as well as complaints from the parents' association of a nearby private school regarding cleanliness issues along the area. Following this, a meeting was held with the vendors, who were offered a reduced rent, but the situation has not improved.

According to the proposal, vendors continue to demand a permanent vending zone and additional amenities, but have not paid the reduced rent. Despite this, the BMC has not yet made a final decision on the matter.

BMC Deputy Commissioner Ajaya Kumar Mohanty noted that vendors are not paying the rent, even after it was halved. Previously, the rent was Rs 6,000; now it has been reduced to Rs 2,000 for 16 kiosks and food vans, and Rs 3,000 for another 15, depending on the space occupied.