Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar Shahid Iqbal Choudhary Friday visited Parimpora fruit and vegetable mandi to finalise mechanism of operation in view of concerns due to COVID19 outbreak.
The visit comes in the wake of reports of violations ofsocial distancing norms and the decision to restrict the time of operation ofthe mandi and put in place other measures.
It has been decided that the mandi will now remain closedexcept from 8 am to 12 noon, the time during which it will operate strictly asper social distancing guidelines and under the watch of law enforcementofficials.
The decision was taken in a meeting on Wednesday with mandioperators and stakeholders in which the DC directed for a curtailed andsupervised operation in view of repeated violations of the social distancingnorms.
During the visit, the DC issued a slew of instructions foradherence to all relevant guidelines and directed for strict compliance withthe SOP as laid down.
He emphasised the critical importance of social distancingguidelines and wearing of masks at all times.
Night operations of the mandi have been banned altogetherand that new operational guidelines will remain valid until further orders.Special teams have been constituted for monitoring and ensuring adherence toall operational guidelines issued in view of the prevailing COVID-19 situation.
Meanwhile the district administration has taken 230 samplesfrom people working at and visiting the Parimpora mandi for COVID19 tests.
Officer on Special Duty, ADC Srinagar, Sajad Qadri who isalso the nodal officer for provision of essential commodities, accompanied theDC on the occasion. He briefed the DC about the arrangements made at the mandito ensure strict adherence to guidelines.