Fish Shops on Ayya Mudali Street Cause Waterlogging and Foul Odour in Chintadripet

Residents and pedestrians on Ayya Mudali Street in Chintadripet are facing daily waterlogging, slippery road conditions, and a persistent foul odour due to runoff from newly established fish shops. The issue occurs during peak trading hours between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m., when sellers place insulated fish boxes on the road, with the heavy stench of fish lingering in the area until 11 a.m.

The fish trade, which was previously restricted to Arunachalam Street, has expanded onto Ayya Mudali Street. Several local businesses have recently switched their trade to selling fish. Notable transitions include a stationery shop, a hotel, and a fast-food eatery that have converted into fish retail outlets.

According to a local resident who spoke on the condition of anonymity, the new sellers place insulated fish boxes and crates filled with ice blocks directly on the road during the early morning hours. As the ice melts, the runoff water flows down the street, carrying a strong fish stench and leaving the road muddy and slippery.

This runoff has turned the street into a hazard for pedestrians, who must walk gingerly to avoid slipping and falling on the stagnant water. The waterlogging has also slowed down the movement of vehicles, creating a disorderly mess on the street every morning.

Residents pointed out that the issue could be resolved if the sellers kept the insulated boxes inside their shops, which would contain the water flow within their own premises.

K.A. Muralidharan, president of the Chintadripet Welfare Association, stated that the problem affects all residents in the neighbourhood. He noted that six months ago, following a complaint by the association, the fish owners association took action to ensure the main fish market premises were kept clean. However, he emphasized that Ayya Mudali Street itself is still not being kept clean.

Local residents are now calling on the Greater Chennai Corporation to look into the issue and regulate how these sellers conduct their trade to restore cleanliness and safety to the street.