Coimbatore: After a long wait, the Modern Fish Market at Ukkadam Pullukadu was inaugurated by minister for electricity and prohibition & excise V Senthil Balaji on Monday.
The retail fish market spread across 1.06 acres was constructed in 2022 at a cost of ₹8 crore, accommodating 72 stalls.
During the inaugural session, the minister announced additional provisions that included compound walls, paver blocks in the parking space and streetlights for the safety of the traders.
The retail fish market should have been inaugurated in 2022 but was delayed due to the conflict between the corporation and the retail fish traders' association regarding the pending due of ₹4.15 crore.
As per the G.O. 656, it directed the Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation (CCMC) to hand over 51 stalls and the rest 21 after clearing the outstanding dues.
Corporation commissioner M Sivaguru Prabhakaran said, "All 72 stalls have been handed over since the association has paid 25% of the due. Meanwhile, the Tamil Nadu Housing Board (TNHB) issued a cost escalation notice for Rs 6 crore. Further delay in the construction of the housing unit would elevate the current value. Hence, immediate action had to be taken. Building maintenance is to be carried out by the association whereas only the land is leased by CCMC for which they would be charged a marginal amount monthly. A revised G.O. has been requested in this connection."