The worsening condition of both the old and new Sanguem market complexes has become a major source of concern for residents and visitors alike. Once envisioned as a vibrant centre of local trade, the market now stands as a stark symbol of municipal apathy.
Garbage lies scattered across the premises, filling the air with a foul stench that greets anyone entering the area. The lack of consistent cleaning and waste management has allowed the situation to deteriorate into a full-blown health and sanitation crisis.
The fish market section is in especially dire condition. Gutters designed to drain wastewater are choked and overflowing, releasing a persistent, noxious odour. Stagnant water has become a breeding ground for flies and disease-carrying pests. Alarmingly, many of these drains are left uncovered, posing a serious safety risk—particularly during peak hours when foot traffic is high. Children, senior citizens, and even vendors are at constant risk of injury due to these open hazards.
Public frustration is mounting. Locals have sharply criticised the Sanguem Municipal Council for its prolonged inaction, citing repeated complaints about garbage buildup, leaking roofs, and unsafe infrastructure—all of which have gone unanswered. Many feel the Council has failed in its fundamental responsibility to maintain public health and safety.
Beyond affecting daily life, the market’s poor state also leaves a negative impression on visitors and tarnishes Sanguem’s civic image. Residents are now demanding immediate intervention—starting with daily cleaning routines, proper waste disposal systems, and urgent repairs to restore the market to acceptable standards of hygiene and safety.
Without swift action, a once-thriving community space risks becoming a permanent symbol of neglect.