Vendors in East Marret Street’s ‘thayir (curd) market’ have a difficult time whenever it rains.
The first drizzle usually spells the end of their business day and the sludge that accumulates makes it difficult to set shop the next morning.
The daily market is spread over an area of about 150 metres by 25 metres and houses about 25 shops. Leaky plastic and asbestos sheets provide cover for shopkeepers who market their fresh vegetables and fish by yelling in sing-song fashion.
S. Alphonsa, who was trying to sell her 11 varieties of fish, said that the primary problem was the unpleasant smell that drove customers away.
“As the rain comes, all the mud and sludge get accumulated. I have no choice but to place my goods atop this muck,” she says.
Vendors inside the market repeat that they have complained a number of times to the Corporation officials and even to the Collector. No action has yet been taken. “The area around the last dustbin is where all the filth accumulates. This is because there is no proper drainage on the road,” says K. Ammaiappan, a functionary of Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) and a vegetable vendor.
Others feel that the stench is unbearable. A. Purushoth, a 60-year-old, says that she is unable to breathe due to the heavy odour and the slime. She says that this has led to spread of several diseases. Vendors collectively complain that the local health inspectors never visit the place.
“Unless water stagnation is stopped, one of Madurai’s oldest markets will suffer,” claims Vijayarani, another functionary of CITU.
The Corporation officials were unavailable for comment.