Fish sellers on Marina Loop Road staged a protest on Saturday after the city corporation damaged more than 10 fish shops while clearing encroachments by hotels on the footpath. The corporation’s actions, carried out without prior notice, forced the fish sellers to vacate their shops and led to significant losses.
According to the fish sellers, the corporation typically conducts monthly drives to clear hotel encroachments on the footpath. They assumed this was another routine operation. However, after removing the hotel encroachments, the officials unexpectedly started bulldozing the fish shops and disposing of the fish, causing extensive damage. “More than 10 shops and the fish in them were affected. I suffered losses of over ₹10,000,” said one of the affected fisherwomen.
In response, the fish sellers began a protest at 11 am, which lasted for over three hours. They demanded that the corporation officials produce an order justifying the removal of their shops. The protestors were adamant about getting an explanation for the abrupt action taken against their livelihood.
The corporation officials later admitted that the fish shops were damaged by mistake during the encroachment clearance. They assured the fish sellers that they would receive compensation for the damages incurred. Following this promise, the fish sellers agreed to withdraw their protest.
This incident highlights the need for better communication and coordination between the authorities and local vendors. The fish sellers rely on their shops for their daily income, and sudden actions without notice can severely impact their livelihood. The corporation’s commitment to compensate the affected sellers is a step towards rectifying the mistake and restoring trust among the local community.
Source-The New Indian Express
