Yajusha

Pics: Jeevan D'Costa

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi

Udupi, Jul 2: Despite being part of the thriving metropolis of Udupi, the weekly APMC Market Yard in Adi-Udupi is facing severe neglect and lack of maintenance. The market, which should be a bustling hub of commerce, has instead become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and a potential hotspot for disease transmission.

The Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMC) are established by the state government to enhance market efficiency and safeguard the interests of producers and sellers. Ensuring the safety and well-being of both buyers and sellers is crucial. However, the APMC market yard in Udupi appears to be failing in this regard. Vendors are compelled to conduct business on muddy, unsanitary roads, while customers must endure the unclean and hazardous environment. Despite numerous appeals, there has been no significant maintenance or improvements for years. Local representatives who often discuss agricultural policies, APMC regulations, and farmer welfare seem to turn a blind eye to these pressing issues.

Vendors from nearby regions such as Thekatte, Barkur, Brahmavar, Udyavar, Hiriyadka, Katapadi, and Parkala bring their goods to the weekly market on Wednesdays, generating significant revenue annually. However, the market’s administration and relevant officials have taken little to no action to maintain or develop the site.

The market was relocated from within the city to Adi-Udupi in 1992. Initially, it attracted fewer buyers and sellers, but now the number has grown to around 20,000. Besides the weekly market, there are shops and godowns for storing goods. However, the lack of basic amenities like clean drinking water, sanitation, and electricity makes it difficult for people to conduct business. The situation is exacerbated by large potholes and an unclean environment, which create ideal conditions for mosquito breeding. The onset of monsoon brings a heightened fear of disease outbreaks.

Prabhu Gowda, a businessman who has been at the APMC market for 25 years, expressed his frustration, saying, "There are no basic facilities at all. The problems with water and sanitation are severe. The roads are in terrible condition, and garbage is scattered everywhere. We have been advocating for improvements for the past one and a half years, but we see no progress. The authorities make promises but fail to act. Gayatri, the APMC market secretary for the past four years, has done nothing to address these issues. We are considering taking action to suspend her if she does not respond to our concerns within the next 15 days."

Masood, a former businessman at the APMC market, echoed these sentiments, stating, "The market is filthy and it’s difficult to breathe fresh air in the surroundings. During the rainy season, the market becomes a breeding ground for malaria and dengue-carrying mosquitoes. Some people even reside within the market premises, and there is no oversight or accountability. The authorities are neglecting their responsibilities."

The ongoing neglect of the Adi-Udupi APMC market not only hinders business operations but also poses a serious health risk to the community. Urgent action and effective intervention are required to address these issues and restore the market to a safe and functional state.