Market committee accused of ignoring worst-hit shed at Vallah sabji mandi

Retail vendors of shed number one at the Vallah sabji mandi have alleged that the market committee ignored their severely damaged shed while repairing three other sheds, forcing them to operate in unsanitary conditions.

Recently, the market committee repaired and constructed four sheds at the Vallah sabji mandi, but left one shed untouched. This has led to resentment among a section of vendors who claim they are being discriminated against. There are a total of six sheds in the Vallah mandi. Of these, two have concrete roofs, while the remaining sheds have temporary tin roofs.

Retail vendors from shed number one stated that shed numbers 2, 3 and 4 were repaired, while their shed, which they say is in the worst condition, was overlooked.

Joginder Singh, a vendor, said officials from the department had visited the site and clicked photographs of their shed, but no repair work was carried out. He added that vendors of shed number one were among the first batch of traders settled at the Vallah mandi after being uprooted from the old Sabji Mandi near Hall Gate. “At that time, there were around 112 vendors. Now, only about 80 remain, as many were forced to abandon the profession,” he said.

Another vendor, Janak Raj, said each vendor pays Rs 1,200 as annual rent and Rs 1,000 as licence fee to the market committee. Over time, several tin sheets have been blown away, weakened, or developed holes and gaps. “During rains, it becomes extremely difficult to store fresh vegetables safely. While three sheds were repaired, ours was ignored,” he rued.

The vendors further alleged that while they were being neglected, around 500 retail vendors were being unauthorisedly allowed to sell vegetables on the roadside. “Despite being genuine and registered vendors, nobody is listening to our grievances,” they said.

Despite repeated attempts, Ramandeep Singh, secretary, market committee, Amritsar, did not respond to calls.