Fish malls to bring a sea change in the way we buy fish

Gujarat Fisheries Central Cooperative Association Limited (GFCCAL) is an apex cooperative body of the fishermen cooperatives in the state. It had come into existence in 1956 with financial and administrative support from the state government.

In a formal letter to the municipal commissioners of Vadodara, Ahmedabad and Surat, GFCCAL managing director has requested for allocation of land for the development of 2,500 square-metre malls. “The malls will be developed as per guidance of the state government and land should be provided on token rent for a longer duration,” the letter read. The state government has 92 per cent share in GFCCAL.

State Fisheries Department Superintendent J Krishnababu told Newsline: “The basic concept behind developing such malls in the state is to provide a hygienic atmosphere in the fish market. We have noticed that the fish markets across the state are in bad shape and hardly any hygiene is maintained. We are now planning to make it a pleasant experience for those who visit the fish market. The malls will have all possible varieties of fish and it would also benefit those who are into this business.”

Krishnababu said that so far, the letter has been sent to Ahmedabad, Vadodara and Surat municipal corporations. “Apart from these cities, we would like to cover all the major coastal towns where fish markets are a big draw. The concept would bring a sea change in terms of experience for the consumers,” he said.

The problem, according to sources in the Vadodara Municipal Corporation, is allocation of land. “There is already a scarcity of land for most corporations developing their own infrastructure. Further, the fish market should be developed in an area where there is no public resistance. Considering these aspects, it seems the biggest task would be to find out a suitable piece of land,” they said.