Shutters down for Ranchi's Hygienic Fish Market

The Government’s attempt to sustain the Hygienic Fish Market at Dhurwa re-inaugurated by Agriculture Minister Randhir Kumar Singh in June seems to have flopped completely. Around a month back, the concerned officials had to pull down the shutter of the building when the 13 fish retailers allotted shops here stopped coming.

“We started the market with an aim of selling local and out-stationed fish in an eco-friendly environment. However, it proved to be a failure. The reason is unknown. Someone from our department must have tried to divert the minds of the retailers. Else, they would not have stopped coming without having a face-to-face interaction with us,” said Rajiv Kumar, Director, Fisheries Department pointing on the unhygienic locations near drains in the Main Road where a large number of fishes are sold almost every day.  

Stressing on the perspective of the fish sellers for taking back their steps, District Fisheries Officer (DFO) of Ranchi Manoj Kumar Thakur informed that retailers were asked to pay a rent of R`3000 per month for the 30 square feet area provided to them within the complex. “The rate was fixed as per the norms of Government. We were supposed to enter into an agreement regarding the matter. Fishers claimed the rate high and compared it with the Bazaar Samiti’s price for similar space,” he said.

Notably, at the time of shop allotment, some retailers had complained of the common cold storage area for the fishes which may lead to tussle among their group. Both Rajiv Kumar and Manoj Kumar denoted the problem a lame excuse. “Individual arrangements were made within the cold storage and a staff was deployed to maintain the management properly. Such complains are baseless,” said the District Fisheries Officer.

The Fisheries department is now in a trouble on how to manage the Hygienic Fish Market. Sources maintained the plan of starting a Fish Restaurant above the market will not gain momentum unless the fresh fish selling continues. “We have received directions from the authorities to encourage whole sellers instead of retailers for coming forward and sell fishes in a clean ambience. Efforts related to the orders would be taken after completion of ongoing Sawan month as few prefer taking non-vegetarian during the religious season,” said Manoj Kumar.