Different timings for fruit, vegetable mandis in Delhi

New Delhi, April 13 The Delhi government on Monday announced different time slots in mandis for fruit and vegetables and also directed for entry in the mandis through coupon system.

The decision was taken in a meeting of Delhi Development Minister Gopal Rai with the members of the market associations of seven wholesale markets of Delhi.

In a bid to maintain social distancing in these markets the Delhi government has taken several steps like different timings for fruit and vegetable markets and entry through coupons, Rai said.

"The Delhi government has also constituted four special task forces and seven nodal officers under the Vice-Chairperson and Development secretary of the Delhi Agricultural Market Board to ensure implementation of the government orders in these markets," Rai said.

He said there are seven mandis in Delhi, five are of fruit, vegetables, fish and poultry items and two Najafgarh and Narela are specifically for vegetables.

"Now the crops have started coming, therefore, all the mandis have become pro-active to maintain proper supply in the city. There were issues regarding social distancing in these wholesale markets, therefore, today I held a meeting with the market associations."

The Delhi government has implemented an odd-even policy in these markets to restrict the footfall and to maintain social distancing in a bid to tackle the COVID-19 outbreak, said Rai.

The odd-even scheme will allow sales at odd-numbered platforms in each shed on dates ending with 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 and even-numbered platforms on dates ending with 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8.

"The government has directed change in the timings of these wholesale markets. Vegetable markets will be open from morning 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. and fruit markets will be open from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. The entry in these markets will be done only through coupons and the Delhi government has appointed seven nodal officers to keep a vigil on these markets," Rai added.

Rai said if there is any violation of the government orders then strict action will be taken against the violators.

( With inputs from IANS )