Bhatkal: It appears that development work in Bhatkal has primarily resulted in the embezzlement of government funds. There are individuals who seem to know how to exploit these funds, which were intended for various public welfare schemes, for personal gain.

One glaring example is the hi-tech fish market built near Bhatkal Sante Market. Despite being constructed with crores of rupees from government funds, this market has become a home for migrants, laborers, homeless beggars, and stray animals. Six years after its inauguration, fish vendors are still absent.

When Nivedit Alva was President of the Coastal Development Authority, RV Deshpande was the District In-charge Minister, and Mankal Vaidya was the MLA of Bhatkal, a plan was approved to construct a high-tech fish market from Mangaluru to Karwar. As part of this initiative, a high-tech fish market was also built in Bhatkal and inaugurated by RV Deshpande six years ago.

Unfortunately, since its inauguration, fish sellers have not used the market even once. The inscription detailing the date of inauguration and project cost has been concealed by pasted paper.

Inside the market, migrant laborers from other cities use it to dry their clothes and live. Homeless beggars seek shelter from the sun and rain, and stray cattle and dogs roam freely.

The main issue is that fish sellers refuse to relocate to this market. Despite the lack of basic facilities in the old fish market near the old bus stand, they prefer to stay there. They demand that modern facilities be provided in the old market. Nearby shopkeepers support this demand for their commercial benefit.

Additionally, fish selling bases have been established at Jali Road Cross, Rangain Katta, and near the National Highway. Fish is also sold on the roadside in Chautani. None of these sellers are interested in moving to the new market, leaving it as a residence for the homeless.

From the TMC Chief Officer to the Deputy Commissioner of the district, officials appear helpless in resolving this issue. Even the Uttara Kannada district in-charge Minister seems to have forgotten the hi-tech fish market. The question remains: why was this market, built at the cost of crores of rupees, allowed to become an abode for laborers and beggars? No one seems to have an answer.