SRINAGAR: Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary Friday visited the Parimpora fruit and vegetable mandi to finalise its mechanism of operation in view of concerns due to COVID-19 outbreak.
The visit comes in the wake of reports of violations of social distancing norms and the decision to restrict the time of operation of the mandi and put in place other measures.
It should be noted that it has been decided that the mandi will now remain closed except from 8 am to 12 noon during which time it will operate strictly as per social distancing guidelines and under the watch of law enforcement officials.
The decision was taken in a meeting Wednesday with the mandi operators and stakeholders in which the DC directed for a curtailed and supervised operation of the mandi in view of repeated violations of the social distancing advice.
During the visit the DC issued a slew of instructions for adherence to all relevant guidelines and directed for strict compliance with the SOP as laid down. He emphasised the critical importance of social distancing guidelines and wearing of face masks at all times.
Night operations of the mandi have been banned altogether and that all new operational guidelines will remain valid until further orders. It should be noted that special teams have been constituted for monitoring and ensuring adherence to all operational guidelines issued in view of the prevailing COVID-19 situation.
Meanwhile, the district administration has taken 230 samples taken from people working at and visiting the Parimpora mandi. The samples will be tested for COVID-19.
