The CR Park fish market, located in a preponderant Bengali colony of the national Capital of India is famous for offering a sight of numerous stalls stacked with varieties of fishes. lined up in rows, a well famous Hilsa, Bhetki Surmai, and big Rohu fish along with Singapuri crab were the main magnetism for the visitors. Besides, fish lovers also visit the market to satisfy their curiosity about different assortment of fishes. Dried fish and Bombay duck fish which is imported from the coastal areas of Mumbai are also one of the features of the market.
Some of the other fishes and insects that are sold in these markets are pomfret, catfish, crabs, shellfish, prawns, Rohu, Surmai, Singhara, Bhetki, Pink Salmon, Rawas — Indian Salmon, Bangda — Indian Mackerel, Surmai —Indian Seer Fish, Paplet — Indian Butter Fish, Bangus — Milk Fish, Bhetki — Barramundi, lady finger are a freshwater and brackish water fish, popular in India especially West Bengal, Odisha, Tripura, Assam and Andhra Pradesh, and several other kinds of seafood.
Pabda fish (Rs 600 per kg) is another popular freshwater river fish, popular in West Bengal and cooked with an authentic Bengali recipe called Pabda Macher Sorshe Jhal. Prawns which were lined one after another were giving a delicious look.
The prices of fish at the markets differ with quality such as for pomfret fish you have to pay Rs 650 to 900 per kg. Similarly for Surmai, it is Rs 500 per kg. The large silver coloured Rohu fish (10 kg) is considered an important freshwater fish and very commonly eaten in India are commonly ask by customers. Its price ranges from Rs 180 to Rs 450 per kg. Besides, the prices for other different fish are ranging from Rs 100 to Rs 1600 per kg. Further, Singapuri crab that was being sold at few shops at Rs 800 per kg also attracted many customers.
A large number of people were seen purchasing their favourite fish even in the morning hour.
The Pioneer visited the two most famous fish shops in market number 1 and 2 of Chittaranjan Park and INA market to enquire about different varieties of fish. There are two famous markets in CR Park. Both the markets offer varieties of fish.
Although, the stocks are preserved on ice but quite fresh to purchase.
Dulal of the ‘Dulal Fish Shop’ said in Bengal, there is a popular saying that if you do not eat fish, you are not a Bengali. “We sells a variety of fish and sea foods. The sale is good as most of the people here are Bengalis who love having fish in their daily menu,” he said.
He also said that Ilish or Hilsa is the paradigmatic Bengali fish although it is particularly bony and difficult to eat but still demanded repeatedly.
“This market is a hub of a wholesale market for fish. With the increase in the number of restaurants in the city which offers seafood, this market has doubled the transactions,” he added.
The main sources of import the fishes and sea food are coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh, Goa Kerala, Karnataka,West Bengal Odisha and Gujarat.
Among them, Gujarat is the main exporter of sea fish while Bhetki is imported from Kolkata. Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Oddisa, and Madhaya Pradish are the main suppliers of common fish like Rohu Pabda, Rawas, Hilsa.
Similarly, INA Market located right across Dilli Haat has a number of fish stalls selling fresh seasonal fish. Shrimps, prawns, lobsters, crabs and various other kinds of seafood are found along with fresh water fish like Rohu and Katla are found here. There are shops that sell a range of variety of dried fish. The fish pickles are famous and popular in these markets.
According to the locals, the fish market was established in the early 1960s by the people displaced from their homes in East Pakistan during the Partition of India and the Partition of Bengal.
Also market Number 1 and 2 here, the famous fish market are believed to come up in 1973-74. Most of fish sellers came from 24 Parganas district of West Bengal in the mid 70s and set up their shops.
Once known as EPDP Colony (East Pakistan Displaced Persons) was later renamed after the name as Chittaranjan Park in 1972 in the memory of Deshbandhu Chittaranjan Das, a noted freedom fighter.
