Modern fish market needed at State Bank: Fisherwomen

Mangaluru: Fisherwomen from the city will hold a relay hunger strike demanding a state-of-the-art fish market at the present location of the fish market near the State Bank  (Hamilton Circle) on December 20th.

“If authorities do not respond to the demands of fisherwomen, we will take a delegation of fisherwomen to the chief minister. Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) had not served any notice on evicting the fisherwomen from the temporary fish market located next to the inter-city bus stand,’’ informed State Bank Meenugarara Mahila Marata Mandali’s legal advisor S P Chengappa.

 “We fisherwomen are worried regarding news in media about the MCC’s plans to build a new Central Market under the Smart City Mission as well as relocate vendors and fisherwomen in the temporary fish market to a make-shift building behind football ground. We urge the Mangaluru City Corporation to build a full-fledged fish market with all facilities in the present location,’’ requested a fisherwoman.

Foreigners who visit the market shake their heads in dismay on witnessing the unhygienic conditions prevailing in the market, pointed out Mandali President Baby Ameen, Secretary Geeta Bai, Vice President Narayani, and fisherwomen leaders Poornima Kunder.

The leaders complained that there is no proper water supply and drainage system. “During rains, the entire market leaks. This year, two fisherwomen sustained injuries when a part of the shed caved on them during this monsoon.”

“We want customers to feel happy when they buy fish from us. We want this temporary market to become the pride of Mangaluru,” stressed Poornima Kunder.