Harshini Brahmavar
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Mar 5: The so-called 'hi-tech' fish market building built in the hub of Shirva town in November 2015, which was inaugurated by Kaup MLA, Vinay Kumar Sorake, has turned into nightmare in just a year of its inaugural. The current situation speaks volumes about the poor quality of the building construction, executed by a private contractor as per the orders of Coastal Development Authority.

When the plan for this market was mooted, it had given rise to lot of expectations among the fish vendors and general public. The pieces of concrete forming the slab meant for accommodating fish vending women often come off whereas the fan has stopped functioning. The customers and fish vendors are suffering because of unbearable stench enveloping the area.

Nirmiti Kendra which built the market, was under pressure to hand over the building as the date for its inaugural was fixed hurriedly under pressure from legislators and others. When it was handed over, many works were still pending.

Within ten months of the inaugural, interlock laid in the yard gave way, after which vehicle parking posed a problem. Within a few months, the drain developed snags. Although the estimate of the building mentions about construction of new toilet, the old connection has been put to use for the effluents to pass into the old pit. The pit gives out nauseating smell, and it cannot be closed as it is the only way for disposal of effluents of the market. Two dogs had fallen into this pit, and the people had rescued them with difficulty.

President of Shirva panchayat, Varija Poojarthi, said that when contacted, Coastal Development Authority said they are attending to the issues, and later stated in a letter that everything has been set right, without even visiting the spot. She says that if the old pit is closed, there is no other avenue for the effluents to flow. She noted that even the power connection provided to the building is temporary and the Nirmiti Kendra had certified to the panchayat that it had provided all the facilities and that as per condition, third party inspection was done in all stages.

Because of the pit that is located at the main entrance to the market, vehicles are unable to park there. As it is open, risk of falling into it is high. Varija Poojrathi said that Nirmiti Kendra is entirely responsible to set right this mess. She has demanded for provision of temporary relief at least on urgent basis till all things are attended to.

No one knows whether this market will get back some semblance of order and gets all facilities as per the original plan.