Unauthorised vendors sit pretty at Sector 26 mandi in Chandigarh

Unauthorised vendors continued to operate from the fruit and vegetable mandi in Sector 26 even as only 12 vendors are registered with the Municipal Corporation (MC).

The fact came to light during an interdepartmental meeting was convened today under the Chairmanship of Agriculture Secreatry Hari Kalikkat to address various pressing issues concerning the functioning of the mandi.

During the meeting, it was informed that only 12 vendors are currently registered with the MC, while a significant number of unauthorised vendors continue to operate, contributing to sanitation and traffic management challenges.

The meeting was attended by senior officials of the Engineering Department, the MC, the Police Department, the Traffic Police, the State Agricultural Marketing Board, and the Market Committee.

Reiterating directives issued in previous meetings chaired by the Chief Secretary, the Agriculture Secretary urged the Engineering Department to treat the mandi on a par with other city areas for maintenance of internal roads and street lighting, and to expedite both road repair and lighting upgrades on its premises.

Among the key issues deliberated on during the meeting was persistent challenges faced by the Market Committee in disposing of mandi waste at the MC’s Solid Waste Management Plant. The MC Joint Commissioner assured the committee that the corporation would ensure seamless waste disposal and provide all necessary support to the committee and its sanitation contractor.

The Deputy Superintendent of Police (Traffic) and the Station House Officer, Police Station, Sector 26, were requested to increase vigil by ensuring at least three daily patrolling rounds by PCR vehicles, station adequate personnel in the mandi beat box and take strict action against individuals involved in illegal encroachment, stone pelting, and misbehaviour with mandi staff.