Bhatkal: Whether the city is big or small, the weekly market remains an essential need for the people. Here, farmers from nearby villages sell their daily necessities, especially agricultural produce like fruits and vegetables, at reasonable prices. This provides local people with a good opportunity to purchase goods at affordable rates, while farmers also benefit from selling their items directly to buyers. This tradition has been ongoing since time immemorial.

The weekly Sunday or "Sante" market in Bhatkal was originally situated near the old bus stand next to the fish market, which is now occupied by chicken and vegetable shops. However, as the city expanded and the population grew, this market became too small. Consequently, the Sunday market was relocated to the grounds near the government hospital. Solid sheds were provided to farmers and businessmen to conduct their business satisfactorily, ensuring ease of shopping for the public.

Unfortunately, the Sunday market in Bhatkal has now become a hub for large traders who occupy the sheds and open spaces of the market from Saturday evening itself. This leaves farmers from nearby villages and towns with no choice but to set up their stalls on the road outside the market to sell their goods. Additionally, itinerant traders traveling from village to village park their vehicles on the roadside, while some operate their businesses directly from their motor vehicles.

This situation poses several challenges. Firstly, it makes it difficult for people to access the market for shopping. Secondly, it obstructs the route to the government hospital, causing inconvenience to patients and visitors. Even two-wheelers face transportation difficulties. People heading to the hospital are compelled to take the Sagar Road route from Shamsuddin Circle. Moreover, the long line of chicken carts, dry fish vendors, and other small traders' shops on the inner road extends to the National Highway beyond Anjuman College Cross Road, significantly impacting traffic flow on the highway.

Given the current state of the Sunday market, people are calling for immediate intervention from the police and municipal officials. They urge authorities to confine the Sunday market traders and farmers within the market compound or consider relocating the market to a larger area. However, any such move should be accompanied by the provision of necessary basic facilities by the administration to support large-scale farmers and traders in conducting their businesses effectively.