“We have been submitting memorandums for the last couple of years to provide basic facilities to the market. Newspapers have been publishing articles.
Mayor, Deputy Commissioner and other officials visit the market and even promise of repairing the same within a week, but nothing happens,” rues a woman vendor who didn’t want her name to be mentioned. It seems that the long pending problems of Urwa fish market have finally dragged them to a condition of hopelessness.
The market which has 50 years of history is lifeline for more than 45 women who sell fish in the market. Speaking to Deccan Herald, Devika Baikampady, one of the vendors, who runs her business here from past 27 years said: “We are facing hell here in every monsoon because of leakage. There is no storm water drains for the easy flow of rain water. We can not sit and sometimes fishes get washed away by the rain water. We are already facing competition from government licensed fish shops and if the market is ugly, we fear customers won’t come to the market.”
Mosquito hub
“Nearby biogas plant of the government is also causing trouble for us. Nasty smell from the plant irritates customers and they are not ready to come. Because of stagnant water in the market, the problem has been increased. If we suffer with Malaria or Dengue and something happens to us, who will look after our children,” Devika asked with a pale face. Toilets are being used even by public and they throw liquor bottles in it. The DC’s promises of development never fulfilled and MLA J R Lobo didn’t get time to visit market after the election, she blamed.
Long pending problems
“We have got lights to the market recently, after a long struggle. However, the market mainly needs a proper asbestos roof which would help in maintaining cleanliness. MLA Lobo once promised of providing tap water facility and fans to the market. It should be implemented. Fish markets in Surathkal, Padubidri, Kinnigoli, Haleyangadi and Katpady have been upgraded, but Urwa market is left behind. Mannagudda Corporator Jayanthi Achar maintains distance from this problem,” told Urmila, another vendor in the market. Corporator Jayanthi Achar said that she has spoken about the condition of the market with MCC Opposition Leader Premananda Shetty over phone. One part of the market has been repaired, but major part is yet to be repaired. Electricity connection is provided to the market from nearest minor power station. “I have requested the MCC to provide temporary facilities to the market. I will try my level best,” she said.
