Kakinada markets rot, officials turn blind eye

Kakinada: The markets in Kakinada are in bad shape, especially the fish markets which are in an  unhygienic condition. There are four main markets — Gandhinagar, Ramakrishnaraopet, Main Road and Jagannaickpur in the city. But there is no proper infrastructure in these markets. The sheds are in a dilapidated condition in some of the markets. The fish and meat are being sold on the roads where the surroundings are very dirty.  

According to the traders, they submitted several representations to the civic authorities, but to no avail. Meanwhile, the civic authorities have proposed to develop the markets along the Kakinada City Smart City plan. But, till now, they have not implemented this. Sources said that though a roofed fish market has been developed in Jagannaickpur, it is not sufficient for the traders.

“Efforts are being made for developing the fish markets and other markets in the city. Funds can be mobilized for its development soon,’’ said the Kakinada MLA Vanamadi Venkateswara Rao. He said that the people are facing difficulties when they come to the markets due to the unhygienic conditions around them. The Kakinada Municipal Commissioner Dr.K. Ramesh Kumar said that there is a plan for developing the markets. The fish markets would be developed by making use of subsidies  given by the state government.

The Fisheries department officials are preparing plans for it. According to the fisheries department, the fish markets can be developed with 80 per cent subsidy and the remaining should be borne by either Municipal Corporation or the beneficiaries of the markets.