Lockdown disrupts supply chain of essential items

Tribune News Service

Panchkula, March 25

On the first day of the 21-day lockdown announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, except for a few grocery shops and pharmacy stores, all commercial activities were shut.

The disruption in supply of essentials such as vegetables and milk was apparent, with residents facing a hard time.

The district administration on Tuesday had finalised a list of vendors for door-to-door delivery of vegetables, assuring timely delivery of food items. However, these vendors didn’t get vegetables from wholesale suppliers due to supply chain being affected as curfew is imposed in Chandigarh and Mohali. Even not all Vita milk booths were operational.

An official said this would be resolved by tomorrow. On the other hand, daily wage earners urge the authorities to reach out to them for a minimum financial relief in these unprecedented times.

Deputy Commissioner Mukesh Kumar Ahuja today said: “It is being ensured to provide ration to the homeless and daily wage labourers. If necessary, even cooked food at their doorstep will be made available.”

“We are in constant touch with Vita and Hafed to make arrangements for stock of wheat flour, rice and oil. The supply and availability of medicines for diabetes, blood pressure and heart problems are also being ensured. We have made all arrangements to ensure there is no disruption in the movement of essential food items during the 21-day lockdown period. This also includes door-to-door delivery of supplies,” he said.

All policemen on duty have been asked to maintain social distancing and not to stop people from purchasing essential items.

To help citizens and ensure law and order situation, a district-level control room has been set up at Mini Secretariat in Sector 1. It will be operational 24×7. ADC Manita Malik has been appointed as the nodal officer of the control room.