100 Fish Traders Refuse to Move to New Villivakkam Centre Over Lack of RO Water

On June 15, 2026, nearly 100 ornamental fish traders refused to relocate to a newly constructed ₹53-crore trade centre in Villivakkam, Chennai, stalling plans to modernise the local trade. The traders cited a lack of essential infrastructure at the three-storey complex, specifically the absence of Reverse Osmosis (RO) water facilities and a commercial lift, as well as high rent.

The facility, built by the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) near the Padi bridge, was designed to act as a modern, one-stop global hub for Kolathur’s decades-old ornamental fish trade. It features 188 shops, a laboratory, a training hall, a food court, and parking for 185 cars and 22 motorcycles. Despite these amenities, the building remains largely vacant, with only about 20 shops currently functional.

Currently, nearly 120 traders continue to operate from West Mada Street and its nearby bylanes. Although 160 traders have paid their advance payments and all 188 shops have been allotted, the majority are holding back from moving in.

R Rajarajan, state president of the Tamil Nadu Aquarium Fish Breeders and Sellers’ Welfare Association, stated that traders fear losing their business and are hesitant to shift. Rajarajan emphasized that an RO water facility is a critical requirement for their trade, noting that ornamental fish cannot survive for more than three days without clean water. The association has submitted a petition highlighting these grievances, along with a request to remove street encroachments, to PWD minister and Villivakkam MLA Aadhav Arjuna.

Some traders have already made the transition. O P Manikandan, a marine fish trader who moved in after receiving his allotment, noted that some traders are currently operating only on weekends. He expressed optimism that the centre could become a major attraction, especially for children, once all shops are fully operational.

In response to the traders' concerns, a source from PWD minister Aadhav Arjuna's office confirmed that requests for RO facilities and solar panels to lower operational costs have been received. CMDA member secretary Rahul Nadh stated that the authority would look into the issues raised by the traders.