The basement of the Ponda market is grappling with severe sanitation issues, as overflowing gutters filled with sewage waste have turned the area into a health hazard. Fish vendors operating in the basement are particularly affected, forced to work amid stagnant, foul-smelling water and piled-up waste. Many have voiced their frustration, demanding immediate action from authorities to provide clean water, functional drainage, and regular upkeep to ensure a hygienic and safe workspace.
The crisis is further intensified by the deteriorating condition of the old fish market building, constructed in 1984, which now leans precariously toward a nearby nullah and poses a serious risk of collapse. In response, the Ponda Municipal Council (PMC) has issued eviction notices to traders, urging them to vacate the unsafe structure. Vendors have since been temporarily relocated to the basement of the new market complex — but that space, too, suffers from poor drainage and a lack of basic maintenance.
PMC has announced plans to demolish the crumbling old market and build a new, modern facility that would offer vendors a safer, cleaner environment. However, the proposed relocation has met with resistance. Vendors argue that the new site lacks essential amenities and is ill-equipped to support their daily operations.
In the meantime, the municipal council is exploring alternative sites and solutions to find a more suitable and permanent space for the displaced vendors. The situation underscores the urgent need for coordinated action to improve infrastructure, safeguard livelihoods, and restore basic hygiene at the Ponda market.