Chennai, Sept 2:
The Greater Chennai Corporation is set to modify 108 fish stalls at the modernised Loop Road fish market, increasing their size from 30 sq ft to 50 sq ft at a cost of Rs 48.49 lakh.
The initiative, however, has triggered opposition from sections of the local fishing community, who want to continue selling fish along their traditional roadside locations.
The market on Sindhanai Sirpi Singaravelar Salai, popularly known as Loop Road, currently has 362 stalls. Each existing stall measures six feet by five feet.
Following suggestions from vendors, the Corporation has proposed increasing the size of 108 stalls to 10 feet by five feet.
Fishermen have argued that shifting completely into the modernised market could affect their business, saying customers have traditionally purchased freshly landed fish from roadside stalls close to the beach.
K Bharathi, president of the South Indian Fishermen Welfare Association, said the community’s long-standing demand was to be allowed to continue their traditional business along the beachfront.
“Traditionally, fishermen land their catch on one side of the road, while women handle the retail sales on the other side,” he said.
According to vendors, they suffered financial losses when they were earlier compelled to shift into the newly constructed market because customers did not enter the facility in sufficient numbers.
They have also complained about inadequate amenities and design problems, particularly the metal roofing, which they say makes the market excessively hot and affects the freshness of the fish. During heavy rain, vendors have also complained of water splashing into the shops.
Vendors have further alleged irregularities in stall allotment, claiming that some people paid bribes to secure front-row shops. These allegations have added to resistance against relocation.
S Ethiraj, a fish vendor, said modification work had commenced following directions from the government but was subsequently paused to allow another meeting with vendors.
The Corporation conducted a willingness survey to determine how many vendors were prepared to return to the modernised market. As many as 115 vendors have expressed willingness to shift.
A senior Corporation official said five shops were modified on a trial basis and the changes were found to be satisfactory.
“We have called for tenders on September 7. Work should begin September 10,” the official said.
The western and southern portions will be taken up first, followed by modifications to the northern section. The Corporation said further changes would be considered based on suggestions from vendors.
The challenge before the civic body is to improve the designated market while addressing the livelihood concerns of the fishing community and ensuring that any relocation is carried out with the cooperation of vendors.