A long-pending demand for a full-fledged fish market in Yadgir city remains unfulfilled as even after its inauguration, the market is yet to become functional.
The new fish market building in Yadgir which was constructed at a cost of ₹1 crore was inaugurated by the then Minister for Fisheries, Ports and Island Transport S. Angara in April last year. However, officials have not opened it for the traders to do business. Consequently the vendors are forced to sell in an open space near Shastri Chowk.
“Despite completion and inauguration of the new fish market building, officials are yet to open it for the public. As the new building remains unmonitored, it has become a suitable spot for illegal activities. Empty liquor bottles are found everywhere in and around the building,“ Umesh Mudnal, a social activist, alleged.
With no other option, the vendors are presently selling fish in the open space. Meanwhile, due to lack of maintenance, the new building is getting covered by shrubs.
“I am a regular customer here. I want to have fresh fish whenever I come to buy it. I don’t know why in spite of having spent so much for constructing the fish market with advanced facilities, no steps are being taken to make it functional,” Mahadevappa, a customer, sought to know.
Taking exception to the officials’ apathy, Mr. Mudnal said fish vendors would be forced to resort to agitation outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office if the new fish market was not opened to the public within a week.
When contacted, Rajanna, Deputy Director of Fisheries Department, said, “Occupants ( vendors) are not ready to come forward to run their business there on a rent basis. Therefore, a letter was written to the head office to waive off the rent. Once the reply comes from head office we will open it to vendors.”
