The iconic fish market in Panaji is set for a significant transformation as vendors will soon be selling seafood from modern elevated stainless-steel counters. This upgrade aims to revolutionize the market experience for both sellers and customers while addressing long-standing hygiene concerns.
Project Details and Timeline
The Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) has officially floated a tender to provide these specialized counters for at least 316 fish vendors currently operating in the market. The project carries an estimated cost of Rs 48 lakh and is scheduled for completion within 45 days, including the monsoon period.
According to CCP officials, work will commence approximately 15 days after the work order is issued. However, the project remains in the tendering phase as contractors have not yet submitted their bids for consideration.
Addressing Critical Hygiene Issues
The current market conditions have raised significant concerns among both officials and vendors. A CCP official highlighted the urgent need for upgrades, stating that vendors operate in unclean areas throughout the day.
"The market vendors don't operate in clean areas. They sit at the pavers all day selling fish," the official explained. "The market is always wet and mucky because of drainage issues, causing the stench to remain and grow more pungent."
Vendors have repeatedly complained about the challenging working conditions. One fish vendor described how the floor often becomes slippery and difficult to navigate safely. "The water is supposed to be collected by the drains, but instead it stays at the surface throughout the day. The stench becomes impossible to bear," the vendor shared.
From Temporary to Permanent Solution
Currently, vendors operate from pavers under a temporary shed constructed by the CCP last year. The new market shed is being constructed at the same location where an old market building was demolished due to structural integrity issues.
Many fish vendors had previously approached the CCP with requests for improved facilities, specifically asking for proper spaces to clean drains and prevent wastewater accumulation on the pavers. The upcoming stainless-steel counters represent a significant step toward creating a more comfortable and hygienic working environment.
The elevated design of the new counters is expected to improve both space utilization and overall hygiene, addressing the core issues that have plagued the market for years. This modernization effort signals a new era for Panaji's fish market, potentially setting a benchmark for similar markets across the region.
