Rourkela, Aug 18: After serving as a livelihood source for nearly four decades, Balabhadra Market near Bishra Chhak is now facing demolition for the proposed construction of an overbridge.

Established around 40 years ago on Steel Plant land, the market has been home to small businesses that have supported nearly 70 families over the years. With the proposed infrastructure project, the shopkeepers now face eviction from the place where they have built their livelihoods for decades.

Shopkeepers ready to vacate, but demand rehabilitation

The shopkeepers have said they are prepared to cooperate with the eviction process for the development project, but are demanding that they be properly rehabilitated before their shops are removed.

According to the traders, repeated appeals to the local administration and the Steel Plant authorities have not yielded a satisfactory response.

With their concerns allegedly remaining unresolved, around 40 shopkeepers of Balabhadra Market have started an indefinite dharna in front of the City Development Office in Sector 2 of the Steel Plant area.

The protest began on Monday, with the shopkeepers demanding a concrete rehabilitation plan and an alternative location to continue their businesses.

Livelihoods at stake

For the traders, the issue is not simply about losing shops. Their small businesses are the primary source of income for their families.

Having operated in the market for decades, they fear that eviction without rehabilitation could leave them without a means of livelihood.

The protesters are now urging the administration and Steel Plant authorities to intervene and find a solution that allows the infrastructure project to move forward without leaving the affected shopkeepers without shelter for their businesses.

Will development & rehabilitation go hand in hand?

The proposed overbridge is expected to improve connectivity in the area, but the eviction of a market that has supported dozens of families for generations has raised questions about rehabilitation and livelihood protection.

As the indefinite protest continues, all eyes are now on the administration and Steel Plant authorities to see whether a settlement can be reached with the affected traders.