Sector 26 mandi to be closed daily for 3 hours for cleaning

Amid mounting criticism over poor sanitation, the Market Committee of Chandigarh has ordered that the Sector-26 fruit and vegetable mandi will remain closed for three hours every day to ensure proper cleaning.

In its order, the committee said heavy rush at the mandi affects the cleanliness work, including the movement of machines. To tackle the issue, the market will remain closed from 10 am to 1 pm daily for cleaning.

The order stated that no sale/purchase activities will be allowed during the period. Vehicles entry will also be prohibited from entering the premises.

The copy of the order issued by Market Committee Administrator Paviter Singh has been sent to all commission agents and the Subji Mandi Arahati Association president and other officials concerned.

The committee’s action comes after the Punjab and Haryana High Court took suo motu cognisance of Chandigarh Tribune’s July 24 report flagging the pathetic condition of the mandi.

The Market Committee Administrator said they had also decided to fix the fencing on the Ghoda Parking, Chakki No 3 parking and the Grain Market Auction Platform at the mandi. Singh said the committee has also decided to repair/construct the parking at SCF No 151.

The rough estimate for the work has been prepared by technical staff of the State Agricultural Marketing Board, UT.

The Market Committee has also decided to construct a temporary store and watchman room at the site of their dismantled office building to score ceased articles during the encroachment drives. The construction will cost around Rs 11.29 lakh. The work will be executed after floating of a tender and completion of subsequent formalities.

The parking space near Ghoda Parking, opposite to Police Lines, which was earlier occupied by coconut traders, has now been vacated and is now open for public use, thereby easing congestion and providing additional parking facilities for and visitors.