New hi-tech Bhatkal fish market opens to empty stalls on first day

Bhatkal: The newly built hi-tech fish market on Hospital Road, inaugurated by the Bhatkal Municipality, opened its doors to the public on Monday morning but failed to see a single vendor for several hours, leaving customers disappointed.

The market, designed to provide a clean and modern space for fish trade, opened at 7 am. However, not one vendor turned up until noon, despite several buyers arriving early with hopes of purchasing fresh catch. Witnesses said many customers had to return empty-handed after learning that fish sellers had stayed away in what appeared to be a collective boycott.

It was only around midday that a lone vendor arrived with kingfish and prawns, which were quickly bought by eager buyers. His decision to sell at the new facility drew appreciation from customers, who encouraged other vendors to follow suit.

Municipal in-charge president Altaf Kharuri admitted that the first day had been disappointing. He said several vendors had earlier assured the municipality of their participation but backed out after being discouraged by others. Expressing confidence that the situation would improve, Kharuri said the municipality was committed to making the new market a success. He appealed to residents to continue supporting the facility, assuring that more sellers would gradually join in the coming days.