Supply of vegetables, groceries during lockdown

Sir,

The actions taken by the Government of Karnataka in general and the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Mysuru in particular are commendable. Their role in spreading the awareness and advisory on the pandemic to the general public is also laudable.

Though the crowd is getting reduced many people are moving around in their vehicle(s) to market places as many essential items are not available in their area, especially vegetables, fruits and limited supply of groceries. This is true in my area Bogadi North.

The only vegetable shop is closed and street vendors disappeared fearing action by the administration, though limited grocery is available which may disappear soon. The vegetable shops are unable to replenish as the supply line is cut off and vendors cannot bring the vegetables as the public transport like autos and goods vehicles are absent on the roads.

As a result, many people who have vehicles are moving out and getting their replenishment from markets or super-markets. That is why the crowd on the roads and markets.

Furthermore, many people, especially senior citizens, in the absence of any autos and app- based vehicles are distressed, as they cannot move about to get the essential items. Under the present circumstances, I suggest the District Administration to make necessary arrangements for supply of vegetables and fruits by HOPCOMS in mobile vans and also authorise vegetable vendors to supply vegetables in carts or vehicles.

In North Bogadi they can provide the facility near Nandini Milk Bar (close to Mylari Hotel), Bogadi Main Road (also called Nirmithi Kendra Road). This is a central place in North Bogadi and those who buy milk products can also buy vegetables, thereby reducing the additional movement of people for vegetables.

In a similar way the District Administration may establish Hopcom Centres (mobile van or a temporary shed) in various locations of the city. Furthermore, please ensure the supply line is re-established for replenishment of groceries in the kirana stores.

Hope, the District Administration will consider the proposal favourably and arrange the facility on a war-footing.

– Dr. Mahadeswara Swamy , Bogadi, 26.3.2020

NOTE: Since last evening, the District Administration has made necessary arrangements in this regard by opening temporary vegetable markets at seven locations in city. Also the MCC has deployed 25 vehicles to sell fruits and vegetables across Mysuru. —Ed

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