The Madras High Court on Wednesday directed Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) to regulate fish vendors in Marina Loop Road in a way it avoids encroachment on the carriageway and ensures free vehicle flow. The Court then adjourned the suo moto hearing of PIL to June 19.
On Wednesday, a division bench of Justice SS Sundar and PB Balaji issued the direction after GCC Commissioner Gagandeep Singh assured that the corporation would regulate the fish vendors with the help of the police. He said that the arrangement would be of help until the under-construction modern fish market which is nearing its completion is opened for public use.
On April 11, the Madras High Court ordered the removal of fish vendors on both sides of the loop road as they encroached the carriageway. The Court also directed GCC Commissioner to file a compliance report on April 18.
Based on the order, GCC started to evict the fish vendors on both the sides of the road. However, the eviction was strongly opposed by the fishermen of Nochikuppam. The fishermen staged a protest and demanded that they should be allowed to continue to operate their shops for selling fish.
Against this backdrop, GCC Commissioner Bedi on Wednesday said that the GCC and police would identify the spots to help fishermen continue their sale of fish without disturbing the vehicle flow.
The court said that it was always willing to show indulgence towards the fishermen and adjourned the hearing to June 19.
Meanwhile, GCC is constructing a fish market with 384 stalls and a parking facility to accommodate 60 four-wheelers and 155 two-wheelers. The construction is being carried out at the cost of Rs 10 crore at Nochikuppam.