No place for hygiene at Kasivilangi fish market

Poor sanitation remains an unresolved issue ever since its inauguration

Waste management at Kasivilangi fish market on Kulumani Road has become a cause for concern among the customers and residents.

Poor sanitation at the fish market remains an unresolved issue ever since its inauguration in 2020. Fish waste and thermocol containers could be seen strewn all around, and rather than occupying the constructed stalls, the sellers transact from make-shift ones erected on the space assigned for parking lot, in unhygienic settings. The waste water that is let out causes an nauseating stench.

"Hygiene at the fish market is worse when compared to conditions at Puthur Market, which used to be a one-stop shop for both vegetables and fish," said a customer. He claimed that strolling through Kasivilangi market has become difficult.

As the market lacks a proper drainage system and garbage disposal mechanism, the solid waste is dumped on the rear side of the market, where fish is cleaned up. The water waste gets stagnated in gutter formations.

“The Corporation is yet to establish a designated garbage disposal area. The gutter is very small and frequently clogs; the market is unhygienic as there is no place to dispose the solid waste," said a vendor.

The infrastructure of the market has not been fully utilised by the vendors. The stalls remain empty and a section of traders use them as a recreation spot. The traders complain that the constructed space is not spacious enough for trading purpose, the reason why it is utilised for recreation.

"To reduce the risk of contamination, the entire market must be cleaned at least once a day. But, due to insufficient water supply and absence of outlet for water to drain, the area remains unhygienic. We find ourselves forced to stand in the stagnating water, facing the threat of water-borne infections," the vendor adds.