Getting groceries, drugs a challenge amid lockdown

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, April 6

Even as the lockdown continues to remain in place in the Valley following the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic, procuring daily essentials continues to remain a challenge for residents. While more complaints relating to getting groceries were received from the summer capital, people in rural areas said they were facing problems getting medicines.

“Shops mostly remain shut but we manage to buy basics like vegetables and pulses. At several places home delivery of rice is done through ration ghats. We have not been able to buy mutton for the past two weeks and chicken too is not freely available. Fruits too is difficult to get. I got an e-mail from my son’s school and I am supposed to download homework….but getting a printout is out of the question. On top of that, downloads are difficult in 2G speed. We are being forced into frugal living,” said Basharat, a resident of Humhama on the city outskirts.

Mujib, a resident of Jawalpora village in Budgam district, said procuring medicines was very difficult. “We have to travel to Budgam town to buy medicines but going there is not easy due to restrictions and unavailability of public transport. On top of that, all medicines are not available. As far as getting essentials in concerned, local vegetables are available. However, mutton and chicken is not available,” he said.

Kashmir Trade Alliance president Aijaz Shahdhar said the national highway closure had added to the problems.