The fish market in the town stands testimony to indifference of the officials.
The market was constructed three years ago, but the fish market functions as if it is a street fair outside the premises. The shops have not been allotted, neither market inaugurated.
No amenities
The fish market, located at the centre of the town, suffers from lack of basic facilities and poor maintenance. A majority of fish vendors are running their business from temporary outlets in unhygienic conditions.
There is no provision for proper cutting, loading and unloading of fish. The fisherwomen have to jostle for space. It leads to arguments and clashes among them in selling wet fish, prawns, and chicken, says Jayamma, a fisherwoman.
To make things worse, the road, on which the market is located, is narrow and occupied by petty vendors.
Many people park their vehicles by the side of the road, obstructing vehicular movement, particularly during peak hours. Several vegetable vendors also park their carts on this road, adding to the congestion, says Meenakshi, a homemaker.
Unhygienic conditions
Owing to the delay in taking a decision on leasing out the shops of fish market by the administration, the infrastructure worth lakhs of rupees is lying unused. Even the authorities have failed to control unhygienic cutting of fish on the roadside as no proper place has been allocated to the shopkeepers, says Nooruddin, a vendor.
The fishermen and traders point out that a huge amount has been spent on construction of the market which has not been inaugurated for the reasons best known to officials. There are more than 100 fishermen eking out their livelihood on the market.
