Despite government appeal to people not to venture out of their homes, many people in Ponda were seen on the road searching for essential commodities. On the seventh day of lockdown, many people were seen standing in long queues from 6.30 am hoping that the Goa Bagayatdar would open and they could buy goods.
However, neither Goa Bagayatdar nor others shops opened on Saturday in Ponda as police enforced strict lockdown. Many residents in the town said that they are forced to buy essential commodities in the black market at higher rates. “Potatoes and onions were sold above Rs 60 per kg,” said a resident.
Kavlem Sarpanch Rajesh Kavlekar said that on learning that some people had no food and were starving, he and his panch members, with the support of local MLA, home delivered essential commodities. “If the government arranges food commodities, the panchayat is ready for home delivery,” he said.
