PANJIM: The closure of markets in Bardez taluka in view of COVID-19 pandemic enforced lockdown saw people from that area resorting to panic buying and overcrowding the Panjim municipal market including the fish market.
As a result, the City Corporation was forced to shut down the entire market premises till May 10 as a precautionary measure against spread of infection.
However, the market vendors were asked to shift to the lane near Inox to carry out their business, which they denied on account of hot weather and lack of customers. Several vendors accused the corporation of acting against the government order, which has allowed municipal markets to function.
Following complaints from the police, the Corporation, on Wednesday, had initially shut market on the grounds that social distancing and other COVID-related protocols were not being followed.
Not just the vegetable market, but even the fish and meat market witnessed a similar scene, where buyers were seen emptying the shelves.
Speaking to Herald, Deputy Mayor Vasant Agshikar said market premises will remain shut till May 10 as per current restrictions. “COVID norms were seen violated in the market with panic buying. We cannot risk the lives of the people. Steps had to be taken to prevent spread of virus,” he said.
He informed that the vendors are given place to operate from lane near Inox, which they are not agreeing upon. “Even the fish vendors have agreed to operate from the open lane outside fish market,” he said.
“If the vegetable and fruit vendors don’t agree, we will have no option. Market will remain shut,” Agshikar said adding ‘We are also concerned about the livelihood of these people’.
The vendors on the other hand say that being perishable items, they are under loss.
