Work to fix broken roads, sanitation mess at Sec 26 mandi yet to begin

Over one week after Chandigarh Tribune highlighted the problem of poor hygiene and broken roads at the Sector-26 fruit and vegetable market, not much has changed on the ground. The problems of stinking garbage, potholes, muddy and broken roads and encroachments still persist.

Notably, the Punjab State and Chandigarh (UT) Human Right Commission issued notices to Mandi Board Secretary, Chief Engineer and Deputy Commissioner and directed them to submit their reports a week before the next date of hearing fixed for

September 11.

UT Chief Secretary Rajeev Verma, meanwhile, also convened a high-level meeting on July 30 to review civic and infrastructural issues at the market. He expressed concern over the prevailing sanitation condition and directed the contractor to augment both manpower and equipment. Verma also issued directions for the improvement of the market but little has changed on the ground.

However, the traders are happy with the intervention of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, saying they were hopeful that the issue will be addressed.

When The Tribune’s team visited the market, slight improvements were noticeable inside the market but the entry points were still stinking and covered by rotten vegetables. A vendor selling fruits on the footpath in Sector 26 said the garbage was never removed from the roads. “The rotten vegetable and the garbage results in stench that makes it difficult to even stand roadside,” he added.

Ranjan Singh, a regular visitor, echoed the sentiment, saying the smell of the garbage has become unbearable. Noting the importance of the market, he said vegetable and fruits are available at one-third the prices being charged by vendors in the sectors. “It is shameful that visiting the market even once a week has become difficult given the sanitation. The muddy roads and the stink make it impossible to stay here for long.”

Sandeep Kumar, another fruit seller, said they at times pay out of their own pocket to get the area cleaned.

Addressing the issue, Chandigarh Beopar Mandal president Sanjiv Chadha and Grain Market Welfare Association president Mohit Sood said traders are happy that the Bench of Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sanjiv Berry had taken suo motu notice of the issue. They further expressed hope that the condition of the market will improve soon with proper planning.

Secretary pays surprise visit

Agriculture and Marketing Board Secretary Hari Kallikkat and senior market committee officials carried out a surprise inspection at the Sector 26 fruit, vegetable and grain market today.

Kallikkat and market committee administrator Paviter Singh spent over two hours at the market and interacted with traders. They heard their problems related to sanitation, broken roads and encroachments and directed officials concerned to issue show-cause notices to the staff found negligent in the discharge of their duties. Directions were also given to ensure immediate removal of all encroachments and strengthening the sanitation measures.

During the visit, the officers undertook an extensive round of the mandi. They also met Grain Market Welfare Association president Mohit Sood and Vegetable Arhtia Association general secretary Kasturi Lal Sharma among other representatives to discuss the problems being faced by them.

An encroachment removal drive was later carried out by market staff and the MC, while notices were also issued to staff found negligent.

All encroachments, including the illegal jhuggis near the Bardana Market were removed while 13 rehris were seized by the civic body team.

Kallikkat assured that road repair work will start soon, adding, “The sanitation condition, street lights and sewerage system will also be improved.”