Despite repeated orders from the district administration and police, vegetable vendors and shopkeepers continue their supplies without wearing masks and protective gear, and ensuring social distancing. Vendors, especially those in Mohali and Panchkula, are violating these directions.
Mohali
The officials, after supervision in Sectors 76 to 80, Mohali, found that most of these vendors were not taking necessary precautions to prevent the transmission of infection due to COVID-19. In this difficult situation, the buyers should also maintain distance. But, no such orders were being practiced.
- Non-availability of masks and gloves: As per Rakesh Kumar, a vegetable vendor in Sector 79, chemists did not have gloves and masks.
The Mohali administration, on March 27, allowed 100 such vendors to provide for door-to-door essentials from Phases 1 to 11 and Sectors 68, 69, and 70. Six teams were deployed for keeping a check on this kind of delivery system.
- Checking by officials: According to Surinder Singh, area councilor of Sector 80, they are repeatedly instructing the vendors to come into the streets armed with masks and gloves. But, they will not abide by the orders unless strict action is taken.
Pointing out towards the duty of residents to form a queue with distance between them, Aashika Jain, additional deputy commissioner, said that residents need to take precautions. It was not possible for authorities to be present everywhere at all times.
Panchkula
Of the total 480 vendors authorised by the Panchkula Marketing Board, not even a single vendor was following the norms of wearing masks or gloves. Identity cards (valid till April 15, 2020) were issued allowing them to supply essentials in their carts or tractor-trailers.
According to Dharamender Pal, secretary of the board, instructions were issued to make use of all necessary precautionary steps. However, the authorities were receiving complaints of the same not being practiced and also higher prices of goods. Subsequently, they had struck off four vendors of the list.
- No Checking by officials: As per a Sector 12 resident and member of the Panchkula Vikas Manch, Rakesh Aggarwal, vendors or even the administration are not keeping a check on the preventive measures. Residents also surround them as normal.
Another resident of Sector 4, Payal Gupta also highlighted the same problem. She advised authorities to provide them with basic kits, including hand sanitisers.
News & Image Source: HT
