Uncertainty looms over C.R. Park’s fish market

SDMC sends closure notices to stalls operating without licences

Vendors at Chittaranjan Park’s fish markets are scared for their livelihood as the South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) has served closure notices on them for operating without valid licences and in “unhygienic conditions”.

The impact of the notices was visible on Thursday as only a handful of the fish vendors showed up at the market. The vendors told The Hindu that they received the notices in early March but the “pressure to shut shops has been increasing in the recent past”.  

Aurobindo Das, a fish stall worker at market no. 2, admitted that the vendors do not have the licence allowing them to sell fish. However, he explained certain technicalities that have prevented the vendors from obtaining them.   

In 2003, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) developed the fish market, allotting each seller 5X5 feet space. Prior to this, it was an unorganised setup, said Mr. Das. 

“We took what we got from the DDA, as eligible candidates. But the SDMC is now asking for licences. We too have been asking for the same but they are issued only to stalls of 10X10 feet size. We were allotted half the size for the purpose of selling fish and vegetables. Why should our livelihood take a beating?” asked Mr. Das. 

He said a total of 60 shops in market no. 1 and 2 of C.R. Park would be affected by the closure notice.