Inadequate space for safe storage of fish and potable water, absence of waste disposal facility and proper toilets are key issues at markets

Despite its status as the commercial capital of the State, Kochi’s major fish markets are crying out for a makeover so that they matched the city’s rapidly improving transport system and infrastructure. Kochi has a continuous sea coast and an abundance of backwaters. The easy availability of fresh fish has pushed up per capita annual fish consumption in the State to the vicinity of 30 kgs against the national average of eight to nine kgs a year among fish eating population.

In contrast, there is a big gap in the development of the city’s wholesale and retail fish markets. Their conditions are pathetic and infrastructure grossly inadequate, says a marine scientist. The scientist says fish markets had not taken off from the initial phase of development just like the fish landing centres. Inadequate space for auction, safe storage of fish and potable water are issues that need to be addressed, the scientist adds.

While the general hygienic and infrastructure deficiencies stand out, the markets have glaringly ignored women who form a major part of the fish marketing system in the State, says Charles George of Matsya Thozhilali Aikya Vedhi. Several studies have highlighted how women are vital to the fish business chain. “Fish vending women performs multi-faceted functions of commerce for linking the fish producer (fishermen) and the ultimate consumer,” says a study led by J.B. Rajan of Kerala Institute for Local Administration in March 2014. However, a lack of basic amenities at the markets hurt women fish vendors the most, Mr. Charles adds.

A ray of hope

Champakkara fish market, established in 1950, in the heart of the city is in for a total revamp, according to V.P. Chandran, councillor. However, as of now, the market is squeezed into a small space where hundreds of vendors arrive every morning to transact business.

Lack of potable water, a properly maintained toilet and waste disposal facility are immediately needed, says a regular fish buyer. However, the ongoing construction of pillars for metro rail link to Thripunithura has been blamed for the present squeeze in space. Mr. Chandran says that once the construction is over, the market will be totally revamped.

A detailed project report (DPR) for a modern fish market is being prepared by the Kerala State Coastal Area Development Corporation, he says. Plan fund will be available for building the new market. The process will involve acquisition of about 40 cents, now in the hands of private parties. There are also a few families that are living on government land and they will have to be rehabilitated. The Kochi Corporation may have to acquire these land for the new market. Mr. Chandran also says that the DPR is expected to be ready in about a month.

As plans for a new Champakkara market raises the hope of a modern fish market in the city, the condition of the Ernakulam main market, that is a large complex of shops and business establishments selling produce ranging from banana leaves to marine shrimps, continues to be a blot on the city’s business map.

However, the market is in for a total revamp. Gracy Joseph, Chairman of the Development Standing Committee of the Corporation, says the market will be rebuilt under the Kochi Smart City project. N.H. Shameed, a market stall owner, says plans for relocating the business for the rebuilding of the entire market was apace for a while, but now it appears to have slowed down. He is of the view that a modern complex should be constructed. However, finding a proper and adequate location for the temporary relocation appears to be a major problem.

The Smart City Mission declares that the project for development in the area of economy and business envisages “development of Broadway, Ernakulam market and Mattancherry spice market as commercial-recreational-leisure spaces with safety and security ensured inclusively for all the users round the clock.”

Space constraint

Meanwhile, the Varappuzha market, famed for its brackish water fishes and fish from Kochi’s backwaters, has made some improvements to its infrastructure. The condition of the market is relatively better though space appears to be a constraint as the market is expanding constantly. Of late, the arrival of large vehicles into the market area has made the problem of space constraint stand out.

Jimmy Thekketh, president of the local unit of Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samiti, says that the panchayat authorities have been proactive in improving the facilities at the market, which has turned into a big attraction for fish lovers from around the district. Mr. Jimmy says that one of the urgent requirement is a permanent system for waste disposal.

K.S. Mohammed, president of Varappuzha panchayat, says that the main venue of fish sale has been tiled and the approach road and roads inside the market have been paved with cement bricks, making cleaning easier. High-mast lights were installed about a month ago using the fund provided by V.D. Satheesan, MLA, he adds. The panchayat also has plans to set up a waste treatment plant for the market at a cost of ₹1 crore. The money for the project will come from the MLA’s local area development fund.

The project is in the stage of being tendered and the work is expected to be completed within a short time.

In poor condition

The Thevara market is starkly in need of renovation. The old building, of 1973 vintage, from where the market now functions is in poor condition, says C.K. Bhasi, secretary of Sudharma Residents’ Association at Konthuruthy. Not only is the market building in poor condition, there are no facilities that are associated with a proper market despite the fact that Thevara continued to be a major market with fish arrivals from different parts of the State and fish being despatched to the high ranges regularly.

C.K. Peter, Corporation councillor from the Konthuruthy division, says that the old block in the market has 22 shops. The building condition is poor. It leaks profusely during rains. The Corporation had considered bringing down the building, taking into consideration its condition. The Corporation has also plans to build a new structure for the market, he adds.

The Thoppumpady fish market is the victim of constant encroachment on government land, claims councillor K.K. Kunjachan. He is of the view that the Corporation should take up the issue of evicting encroachers on government land as the problem of space is the crucial issue in Thoppumpady market too. However, the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) is preparing a plan for a new market, which has taken into consideration all the problems facing the market, he adds. The project, costing about ₹70 lakh, will be funded by the State government. The work will be tendered once the estimates are prepared jointly by the Corporation and CMFRI, Mr. Kunjachan says.