Marina vendors to be chosen by draw of lots

Following submissions made by the city Corporation as part of beautifying Marina, the division bench comprising Justice Vineet Kothari and Justice R Suresh Kumar also directed the civic body to finalise the guidelines for allotment of the 900 carts and place it before the court on the next date of hearing on March 18.

Also, recording the Corporation’s submission on shifting the fish market on Loop Road that besides local fishermen who are residing in the Loop Road area, and other fishermen/traders who bring their fish, which was never intended to be allowed, the bench said the apprehension of the locals appeared to be justified. Hence, it added, the State administration can go ahead and restrict other fishermen who do not reside in the area and catch their fish elsewhere but bring them for sale there.

“It is expected that both police and Corporation personnel will ensure free flow of traffic on the Loop Road area on all days on 24/7 basis, especially throughout the congestion hours of morning and evening,” the bench added while seeking a status report on the removal of encroachment to repair the footpath on the land side of Loop Road.

During the hearing, the Joint Director of Fisheries (Regional), submitted an enumeration report. According to it, 356 fish vendors – 269 in Nochikuppam and Nochi Nagar, 11 in Dooming Kuppam, Mullaima Nagar and 76 in Srinivasapuram – have been identified in three areas of the Loop Road so far.