Maharashtra: Mumbai's busiest markets to reopen for people to stock up essentials

Even as country is observing a nationwide lockdown for three weeks to curtail spread of Coronavirus, essential goods and services continue to remain available for citizens. All State authorities have refore advised people to t resort to panic buying. In same effect, busiest vegetable markets in Maharashtra's Mumbai city are about to reopen for people to stock up essentials items. 

Minister of Food and Civil Supply, Consumer Affairs Minister Chhagan Bhujbal stated that since people are concerned about essential necessities,  officials have been directed to reopen Mumbai's busiest markets - Dadar Market and Byculla Market for citizens. In this manner, regular vegetable and or essential commodities will be supplied to residents of Mumbai.

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"I already had a word with concerned people from APMC market, it is likely to be open for citizens tomorrow. From Nashik market, almost 100 trucks left for Mumbai, which will be delivered and supplied to citizens," said Chhagan Bhujbal.

Essential products such as vegetables, fruits, grocery and bakery items are exempted from lockdown. Vendors can provide home deliveries by taking appropriate care. Directorate Gen of Information and Public Relations, Maharashtra said that Police will facilitate ir movement on road. 

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'Buy groceries but maintain distance'

Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope said on Tuesday evening that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's anuncement of lock-down across country was only an extension of state government's similar decision. All essential commodities and services will continue to be available as provided under Maharashtra government' own lockdown diktat, he said.

"We must abide by social distance directive. You can go and buy groceries, vegetables but need to maintain social distance," he said. Regulatory guidelines will be prepared soon for police to monitor customers visiting vegetable vendors and grocery shops, he said.

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Circles drawn outside shops to encour social distancing

Inspired by photos outside a mall in China where manment drew circles on floor to maintain social distancing to curb Coronavirus spread, people in parts of Maharashtra have started implementing same.

idea is proving a healthy option for people who come out of ir homes to purchase groceries and vegetables during lockdown ordered to facilitate social distancing as part of measures to arrest march of killer virus. Circles and squares, drawn with safe distance separating m, indicate spot where people should stand and wait for ir turn to make purchases.

Some towns such as Panhala, Ajara and a vill called Pulachi Shiroli in Kolhapur district have started implementing "vel" social distancing idea since Tuesday evening. 

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