Delivery of essential items a far cry

Kuldip Bhatia

Ludhiana, April 3

Even after 10 days of the 21-day national lockdown, delivery of essentials on doorstep, including grocery items, medicines and vegetables, is a far cry.

Fruits have totally disappeared from markets after the authorities ordered to close Wholesale Sabzi Mandi for three days.

Home delivery of ration, including flour, refined oil and rice, among others, has taken a hit. Numerous residents complained that shop owners approved by the authorities do not pick up mobile phones or keep them switched off.

Grocery store owners have their own tale of woes as they face highhandedness of the police and disruption in supply line. A shopkeeper who has obtained permission from the administration to open a store on Bindraban Road, said he was stopped by the police at Haibowal today morning and his repeated pleas fell on deaf ears.

Another shop owner said a vehicle carrying flour was dispatched from Mullanpur, but cops deployed at Aggar Naggar forced the driver to return.

Even Bigbasket was not accepting orders and sent messages ‘delivery slots not available’.

“Zomato and Swiggy have limited outlets to get their orders. Most of the stock is not available,” said Sunil Gupta, a resident of Pakhowal Road.

Contrary to the claims of the administration, delivery of milk, milk products and medicines on the doorsteps has been non-functional.

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