Maddening rush at vegetable market

Rajiv Bhatia

Zirakpur, April 7

Social distancing norms are being flouted openly even as Covid-19 patients continue to increase in Mohali district.

On Tuesday, locals came in droves to buy vegetables at Zirakpur.

“Most residents came by cars and parked their vehicles on roadsides. Ideally, only one person from each household should have come to buy vegetables. People are underplaying the gravity of the situation,” said Sonal, a resident of Pabhat.

“People could be seen jostling for space in the vegetable market. There was no one to check them. After seeing rush, I decided to leave the place,” said another resident.

While there were many who said they had to take the risk as most vendors in their areas were selling vegetables at higher prices.

“There was no option. We can’t afford to buy essentials at exorbitant rates. In mandis, people are not being overcharged at least. The administration should have taken steps to ensure that people don’t flout social distancing norms. When there is nobody to check, , such violations are bound to happen,” said Prakash Chand, who had come with his brother and a friend to the market.

On curfew violation, Varinder Dhoot, Naib Tehsildar, said, “We try to deliver essentials at doorstep of residents. At times, it becomes difficult and this is when violations are reported. We cannot fight this battle alone, residents too need to cooperate with us and understand how grim the situation is. I appeal residents not to panic and follow social distancing.”

The Mohali district has so far reported 26 cases, 11 of which are from Dera Bassi alone.