Vadakara: It has been one-and-a-half years since the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) sanctioned funds for the restoration of the municipal fish market, yet not a single step has been taken to begin the work. With the tenure of the municipal council drawing to a close, further delays loom large if tender proceedings are not initiated immediately. Meanwhile, the market and its surroundings continue to suffer from pollution and crumbling infrastructure.

The ambitious project, estimated at ₹13.30 crores, envisions a four-storey facility. Despite revisions made in line with KIIFB’s directives, tender procedures remain stalled.

The proposed design is expected to generate significant revenue for the municipality. In addition to fish and meat stalls, the plan includes a vegetable market, supermarket and around 20 other stalls on each floor.

A wastewater treatment plant with a capacity to treat 10,000-litre is also part of the project, which aims at ending the long-standing pollution that stretches from the market and adjoining drains to the nearby Cholam Vayal region. Provision for parking heavy vehicles such as lorries has also been included.

tThough the project was first announced eight years ago, even the foundation stone has not been laid due to an apparent apathy shown by the municipality