Bhatkal MLA assures old fish market will not be shut, new hi-tech market to open from September 1

Bhatkal, Aug 30: Amid rumours about the closure of Bhatkal’s old fish market and reports of a new hi-tech market opening from September 1, MLA and District In-charge Minister Mankal Vaidya visited the old market on Saturday following public complaints.

During his visit, fish vendors surrounded the minister and urged him not to close down the old market. Responding to their concerns, Mankal Vaidya assured them that the old fish market will continue at its present location and will not be closed. At the same time, he clarified that the hi-tech fish market, which was inaugurated five to six years ago on Hospital Road by then minister R.V. Deshpande, will officially begin operations from September 1 this year. “There is no need to object to this,” he said.

The minister pointed out that fish trade in Bhatkal takes place on a large scale, and therefore more facilities are required. Currently, several vendors sell fish on roadsides or wherever space is available. He added that vendors are free to either sell in the old market or move to the new one. However, he stressed that heavy trucks carrying large fish loads will no longer be allowed to enter the old market, as they block roads and disrupt traffic. Fish sellers using auto rickshaws, however, will still be permitted. He also urged vendors not to sell fish by the roadside.

Mankal Vaidya further said that the government is planning to build a new commercial complex on the site of the old municipal building. As part of the plan, the road will also be widened, and facilities for fish vendors will be included in the new complex. “The current structure is in poor condition, but until the new construction begins, no vendor will be displaced from here,” he assured.

It may be recalled that the construction of the new hi-tech fish market on Hospital Road was completed in 2018 and inaugurated by the then District In-charge Minister R.V. Deshpande. However, despite the inauguration, the market never began functioning. Now, from September 1, 2025, the new market will finally be opened for business after completion of the tendering process.

Clarifying the situation, Bhatkal’s in-charge Municipal Chief Officer Venkatesh Navadu said, “We never announced the closure of the old market. We only said that the new hi-tech fish market will start functioning from September 1. The old market will continue as usual, and no decision has been taken in the municipal council to shut it down.”