In spite of repeated requests and several representations made by the fish vendors from the Curchorem fish market, Curchorem-Cacora Municipal Council (CCMC) failed to repair or rebuild the dilapidated fish market which was built during the Portuguese era and requires urgent attention. For few years fisherfolk, including the meat sellers and shoppers, are demanding to repair or rebuild the fish market as the vendors are doing their business in an unhygienic condition without any the minimum required facilities. Leaving the main platform, some fish vendors are occupying the outside passage fearing that the roof may collapse at any moment. We made several representations to the CCMC and other concerned authorities highlighting our hardships, but everyone turns a deaf ear to our demands said a fish vendor Maria Fernandes. Expressing similar views another vendor Anamaria said that the condition of the market has worsened. Lights are not functioning, no proper toilet facilities as the existing one is in a dilapidated and unhygienic condition as no one bothered to maintain it, said Anamaria. It is learnt that in the beginning of year 2015 the adjacent shed where the dry fish, chicken and other items sellers are occupying was demolished due to poor conditions of the structure. Even the behind walls of the rooms from where they sell meat have collapsed but till now no steps have been taken to repair or rebuilt it. There are also concerns of health hazards arising from present condition as water is seen stagnating in the drains of the fish market. Dr Pradnya Kakodkar, general physician and cardiologist said stagnation of water can lead to vector borne diseases like malaria and dengue fever. Contamination of food articles may lead to diseases like gastroenteritis, dysentery, etc and therefore drainages should be cleared to allow free flow of water and avoid stagnation, advised Dr Kakodkar. When asked about unhygienic condition of the market place, Health Officer of Up-Graded Primary Health Centre, Dr Mohanrao Dessai said that he will depute his team along with the sanitary inspector for an inspection and accordingly prepare a report and then will submit to CCMC for necessary action. Chairperson Sushant Naik said CCMC had long back planned to demolish the existing structure to construct a new one but due to non-availability of sufficient land it could not materialise. Some land belongs to private parties where the existing structure stands and therefore council has a difficulty since the landlords are not ready to give their NOC, said Naik. CCMC Chief Officer Pramod Dessai said that since he has taken charge few months ago he doesn’t have much knowledge about the problems faced by the fish vendors. Ï will visit the market tomorrow (Thursday) along with my team to find out factual position of the market said Dessai and assured to act accordingly. MLA Nilesh Cabral said The proposal of construction of new fish market at Kadamba bus stand plot has been approved by GSUDA. Since the Kadamba bus stand will be shifted near the Ambedkar circle and new STP will come up behind the bus stand, it is proposed to construct the new market at bus stand.