There is growing alarm in Seraulim over an illegal fish market operating at Seraulim Circle, where serious health and sanitation violations are putting the community at risk.
According to local residents and activists, discarded fish—originally meant for fertilizer production—are being washed in sewage-contaminated water, then blasted with ice and chemicals to mask spoilage, and ultimately sold to unsuspecting consumers. This practice has raised grave concerns about food safety, public health, and the effectiveness of local governance.
Locals report that the fish, often unfit for human consumption, is sourced from waste piles and washed in water drawn from open drains or sewage channels. The use of chemicals and ice is intended to make the fish appear fresh, but in reality, it exposes buyers to a host of health hazards, including bacterial infections, food poisoning, and other waterborne diseases. The situation is further aggravated by the discharge of wastewater from the market into surrounding fields, polluting the environment and creating a persistent stench that affects nearby homes and farmlands.
Despite repeated complaints to the local panchayat and health authorities, action has been slow and inadequate. Residents say that illegal vendors, many of whom are migrants, continue to operate openly, exploiting loopholes in enforcement and the lack of regular inspections. The panchayat and police have reportedly passed responsibility back and forth, resulting in little to no concrete action. This has left the community feeling vulnerable and frustrated, as their calls for intervention go unheeded.
Farmers in the area have also voiced their concerns, noting that the polluted water and fish waste are contaminating their fields and threatening their livelihoods. The illegal market not only undermines legitimate fish sellers but also poses a serious threat to public health and environmental safety.
Residents are demanding immediate closure of the illegal market, stricter enforcement of food safety regulations, and regular monitoring by health officials to prevent such practices in the future. The situation at Seraulim Circle underscores the urgent need for coordinated action by local authorities to protect both consumers and the environment.