The Bharathi Fish Market near the Anna statue, close to the New Bus Stand, is among the two major live fish markets serving Nagapattinam town. For decades, it has been the primary trading point for fisherfolk from coastal hamlets such as Nambiyar Nagar and Samanthampettai.

Though a proper building was constructed nearly 15 years ago to modernise the facility, the market’s condition today tells a different story. With more than 40 small stalls where fisherwomen sell fresh fish caught from the Bay of Bengal, the market bustles with customers between 8.30 a.m. and 2 p.m. every day. Yet, vendors say they operate amid foul odour, stagnant waste, and lack of basic infrastructure.

Choked with waste

The Buckingham Canal, which runs right beside the market, has become a source of misery for both vendors and buyers. Plastic waste and debris have accumulated in the waterway, emitting a persistent stench. “The canal has not been desilted or cleaned for years,” said R. Vimala, a fish seller.

“The smell is unbearable and it spreads disease. We have no choice but to work here, breathing this every day. Every fish market should have a small cold storage unit so fish can be stored safely at the end of the day,” said M. Velayutham of Nambiyar Nagar, a social activist from the fishing community. “Though there are toilets, they need modernisation and regular maintenance,” he said.

R.M.P. Rajendra Nattar, president of the Indian National Fishermen Union, said the market was initially designed as a model facility. “The Bharathi Fish Market was built in a modern manner, but it has been neglected. It’s a large complex — fish is sold in front, the meat market is adjacent, and the vegetable market follows. Yet, only the fish section remains unhygienic,” he said.

He urged greater transparency in shop allotments and a regulated system for weighing and pricing fish.

While the other live fish market at Azad Market — used by fishermen from Akkaraipettai and nearby villages — struggles with poor facilities, pricing issues have kept vendors at bay. “We have the infrastructure but no upkeep. The rates fixed by the municipality are too high, so many prefer to sell outside the market,” said Mr. Nattar.

Municipal officials acknowledged the poor sanitation but blamed the vendors. “Some sellers dump fish waste directly into the canal, making desilting nearly impossible. A full clean-up of the stretch is being planned,” an official said.