Decades-old dry fish market in Mayiladuthurai lacks basic amenities

The Sunday dry fish market at Sitharkadu in Mayiladuthurai, operating for several decades on land belonging to the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department, continues to function without basic amenities, affecting fisherwomen from across the region who come to sell dried fish.

Vendors from Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Cuddalore, Karaikal, and Pudukkottai districts arrive each week, paying ₹100 as weekly rent for the space. They allege that receipts are not issued for the payment. The fisherwomen reach the market on Saturday night, with sales beginning in the early hours of Sunday. By Sunday night, many travel to Cuddalore for the Monday dried fish market there.

Anjali Devi from Perumal Pettai in Mayiladuthurai, Ramayi from Akkaraipettai, and Janaki from Nagore in Nagapattinam district said there was no drinking water facility, the surroundings were unsafe with snakes entering the area, and only 30 of the 150 stalls had proper structures. “There are no proper toilet facilities for women, though many of us stay here overnight. Cleanliness is poor, and when it rains, there is no shelter. We spend our own money to set up temporary covers, despite there being space that is not being utilised,” they said.

Kalaimathi K., president of the Meenava Pengal Peavai Mayiladuthurai, said the market had become notorious for theft, harassment, and abuse from anti-social elements, particularly during late night and early morning trading hours. “Fisherwomen are forced to sell on the streets, endure drunkards causing trouble, and face verbal abuse from some officials during collections,” she alleged.

Ms. Kalaimathi emphasised the need for police patrolling during late hours for the safety of women. “Despite the market being an important hub for dried fish traders, vendors said basic facilities and security have been neglected for years,” she added.

When The Hindu contacted them, senior officials from the HR&CE Department and the Mayiladuthurai Municipality said they would look into the matter.