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Time of India

Nelpettai fish vendors stall demolition; corpn promises relocation

1 2 3 Madurai: Work on the 2.36-crore modernisation of the Nelpettai fish market, one of the busiest markets in the core city area, hit a brief snag on Wednesday, as vendors blocked Madurai corporation officials who arrived with earthmovers and police protection to demolish the old structure. The officials came to dismantle the four-decade-old stalls ahead of constructing a new market complex. However, members of the Nelpettai fish market association blocked the officials, preventing the machinery from entering and bringing proceedings to a standstill for an hour. The vendors insisted the demolition could not proceed until they were given a suitable temporary site to continue trading. "The plot offered to us near the goat-slaughter area is unhygienic and unviable," association secretary Emam Jawahar Sadiq told TOI. "We have petitioned the commissioner asking for a location in the vicinity so that our mainly retail customers are not inconvenienced." After talks, corporation officials agreed to defer the demolition until next week and to identify an alternative spot acceptable to the traders. "We are scouting for a place and an arrangement will be finalised shortly. The association also wants an assurance on shop allotment once the new market is built; that aspect will be examined," corporation commissioner Chitra Vijayan said. A fish market association member pointed out that earlier proposals to shift the fish vendors to Mattuthavani were dropped after the association argued that the Nelpettai market—located within city limits—caters mainly to small, walk-in buyers and does not cause major traffic disruption. "The redevelopment is a boon, but we must be able to earn a livelihood in the interim," Sadiq added. Local residents also welcomed the upgrade plan, describing the present market as cramped and difficult to maintain. "Nelpettai has always been the go-to place for fresh fish, but its condition often creates inconvenience," said Naga Raj of Kamarajar Salai. "A cleaner, better-organised market will benefit both shoppers and vendors," he added. According to corporation officials, once commenced, the project will replace the dilapidated structure with a modern facility in 10 months, designed to improve hygiene, circulation, and waste management. **Project Highlights** - **Project Cost:** Rs2.36 crore - **Area:** 10,000sqft - **Infrastructure Upgrades:** - 42 new shops - Separate toilet complexes for men and women - **Timeline:** - Work order awarded after tender process - Completion expected within 10 months from the start date