Villivakkam Ornamental Fish Traders Refuse to Move Into New 53 Crore Centre

Nearly 100 ornamental fish traders are refusing to relocate to the newly constructed Rs 53-crore ornamental fish trade centre in Villivakkam, Chennai. The traders have cited a lack of essential infrastructure, specifically reverse osmosis (RO) water facilities and a commercial lift, leaving the transition to the new facility stalled.

Constructed by the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) near the Padi bridge, the three-storey complex was designed to house 188 shops, a laboratory, a training hall, a food court, and parking space for 185 cars and 22 motorcycles. The project was envisioned to modernise Kolathur’s decades-old ornamental fish trade, but the facility remains largely vacant.

Currently, only about 20 shops are functional within the centre. Approximately 120 traders continue to run their businesses from West Mada Street and nearby bylanes. Though 160 traders have already paid their advance for allotments, many remain unwilling to shift.

Traders have highlighted that the lack of a commercial lift makes it extremely difficult to carry large fish tanks across the three floors of the complex. Furthermore, the absence of an RO water facility poses a direct threat to their livestock. R. Rajarajan, state president of the Tamil Nadu Aquarium Fish Breeders and Sellers’ Welfare Association, explained that clean water is critical as ornamental fish cannot survive for more than three days without it. Traders also raised concerns regarding high rent and requested the removal of street encroachments around the new building.

Some traders who have already moved in, such as marine fish trader O. P. Manikandan, remain hopeful. Manikandan, who received his allotment from the Chief Minister, noted that business is slowly picking up and that the centre could become a vibrant attraction if all shops become operational.

In response to these grievances, a petition has been submitted to PWD Minister and Villivakkam MLA Aadhav Arjuna. A source from the minister's office stated that requests for RO facilities and solar panels to reduce electricity costs have been received, and efforts are underway to make the centre fully operational. CMDA Member Secretary Rahul Nadh has also stated that the authority will look into the traders' concerns.