Team Herald
MARGAO: There was mixed response by shopkeepers to providing essential commodities to people in Margao as the SGPDA and Gandhi Market remained closed as their gates were not opened and even though New Market gates were opened they were closed by 9 am.
Vinod Shirodkar of the New Market Vendors Association said they had got instructions to close down the market at 9 am and he asked the three shopkeepers who had opened their stores to wind up operations fast. In fact, one had just opened his store and was in the process of displaying his goods when he had to close.
At New Market the rice vendors did brisk business as many people even purchased a whole sack as the lockdown is expected to last for another two weeks. Essential commodities like wheat was not available anywhere.
The Goa Bagayatdar Sahakari Kharedi Vikri Saunstha Maryadit had both its stores open but the one at Colmorod closed down very soon as there was a fight amongst the purchasersas due to the rush; while the one at Mabai building in Margao was open till afternoon.
While both these stores did not open for the afternoon session, private stores including a super market were open in the evening.
Interestingly, social distancing was not maintained at any of these stores except the super store at Calcondem where there was a huge queue.
Further, on Friday afternoon, some youngsters from Monte Hill and Association of Mother Tereza distributed food and water to the migrants seated around the Municipal garden and who were without food.
Meanwhile, the Chinchinim-Deussua panchayat organized a meeting with the shop keepers and fair price shop owners in the village, following which, they wrote to the Deputy Collector and BDO seeking permission to allow them to sell their available stock.
At the meeting, the shop keepers expressed their fear of not receiving stocks from their suppliers. The shop keepers were asked to keep a box outside their shop in which the villagers could place their order along with the telephone number.
Once the order was ready, the shopkeeper would call the person who has placed the order to collect the order thus ensuring that no crowds are formed at the shops. The shop keepers have given to the panchayat details of the stock available with them.
At the meeting, panchayat members were also asked to take any person from their ward who has returned from abroad for a check up to the Primary Health Centre at Chinchinim.
