Attempted Land Grab at Pune’s Market Yard Under the Guise of a Fish Market Fails

Market Yard, 10th September 2023: An attempt to lay claim to land worth crores under the pretext of establishing a pomegranate yard during the Agricultural Produce Market Committee’s previous administrative tenure has met with failure. It has come to light that this valuable space, intended for a modernized market, was instead leased to around 30 fish market vendors. Consequently, there is growing concern in the market that a similar land-grabbing scheme has begun under the guise of a fish market.

The proposed fish market is set to occupy a strategically located parking lot along Shivneri road, opposite the main entrance to the Market Yard. Protests have erupted among traders and Jain organizations in response to this development. A march is scheduled to take place at the Market Committee’s office on Monday (11th September) in opposition to this decision.

This attempt at land appropriation was exposed by the media following discussions of multi-crore financial transactions by some office bearers under the guise of establishing pomegranate yards during the previous administrative tenure. Subsequently, the Director of Marketing initiated an inquiry into the matter. However, the case has since gone cold.

While local residents, citizens, Adte, and traders in the vicinity of Market Yard have voiced their objections to the fish market, the Board of Directors remains steadfast in establishing it. Various organizations have also submitted letters of protest to Guardian Minister Chandrakant Patil against this decision.

After the conclusion of the administrative rule, the Board of Directors has proceeded to establish a fish market on this plot under the Market Committee Act, which regulates chicken and fish. This decision has garnered opposition from local MLA Madhuri Misal, who raised concerns with the authorities. In response, a director was warned not to proceed with the fish market.

The Market Committee’s director represents the interests of farmers. In an effort to benefit farmers, the Board of Directors has decided to establish a regulated fish market in accordance with the law.

Dilip Kalbhor, Chairman of the Agricultural Produce Market Committee, Pune, explained, “Parking space is required for the market premises in view of the future number of vehicles. Also, the majority of traders in the market premises are vegetarians; allowing the poultry and fish market may spread stench in the entire surrounding area, affecting the social elements living nearby. Many organizations, as well as several Corporators and MLAs, have expressed similar concerns. However, the proposal for the poultry and fish market should be canceled considering all these aspects.”

Rajendra Bathia, President of The Poona Merchants Chamber, stressed the negative impact of allowing a poultry and fish market in the area. He stated, “Parking space is required for the market premises in view of the future number of vehicles. Also, the majority of traders in the market premises are vegetarians; allowing the poultry and fish market may spread stench in the entire surrounding area, affecting the social elements living nearby. In this regard, many organizations as well as many Corporators and MLAs have informed. However, considering all the above aspects, the proposal of poultry and fish market here should be cancelled.”

Arvind Shinde, President of Pune City Congress, expressed concern that permitting the sale of chicken, mutton, fish could lead to the sale of alcohol in the future. He emphasized their opposition to such sales in the Market Yard and announced that Pune City Congress would stage a strong protest against this decision.

Jairaj Landge of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, voiced support for the Market Committee’s decision, emphasizing that it’s in the interest of farmers and consumers.

Pravin Chorbele, Former President of Pune Merchant Chamber, strongly opposed the Market Committee’s plan to start a wholesale fish market and poultry business and threatened to go on a hunger strike if such a move proceeds.