Bhatkal: The much-awaited hi-tech fish market built by the Bhatkal Municipality on Hospital Road was formally opened to the public today, but the very first day left buyers deeply disappointed. Despite the market opening at 7 am, not a single fish vendor turned up until noon.
Eyewitnesses said a large number of people had arrived early in the morning with the hope of buying fish in the clean and modern facility, but when they realised that vendors had collectively boycotted the market, most returned empty-handed.
It was only around noon that a local vendor arrived unexpectedly with kingfish and fresh prawns, which were immediately purchased by dozens of customers present at the spot. The move was welcomed by buyers, who encouraged the vendor for stepping in.
Reacting to the absence of vendors, municipal in-charge president Altaf Kharuri said several fish sellers had assured him they would come to the new market, but later backed out after being discouraged by others. He admitted that the first day turned out to be disappointing but expressed confidence that with public cooperation the number of vendors will increase in the coming days. He added that the municipality is making every effort to ensure the success of the new fish market and appealed to the public not to lose hope and to support the facility.