Farmers Movement Archive

Catering to demands of residents main challenge

After addressing grievances of residents in the first phase of the lockdown, the major challenge before us is how to cater to increasing demands in days to come.In addition, people having small and large-scale businesses in the area have also started approaching us for seeking relaxations to run their establishments. They reportedly fear about getting debt-ridden. Other demands for essentials from low income groups have also started pouring in.As already many people have tested positive in my constituency, my prime concern is to stop Covid from spreading further. The second phase of sanitisation is on in residential areas. Besides disinfecting affected areas, a special senitisation mechanism had also been adopted in other localities and streets.Since the largest vegetable market (Maqsudan sabzi mandi) is also situated in my constituency, I have also suggested administration officials to set up sub-mandis. Hundreds of vegetable vendors from around the city reach the mandi and gather outside every day, thus creating chaos and violating the social distancing norms. Whereas with the availability of the sub-mandis, the vendors and wholesalers will have different spaces to purchase vegetables. Amid the shortage of supplies, keeping residents indoors is another difficult task for us. At present, I'm only able to supply food to people belonging to economically weaker sections. Councillors of all wards in my area had already been directed to do the same.In addition, supplying hygiene kits for newborns, medication for expecting mothers and sanitary pads for women are another major challenge. Shopkeepers are also urging to let them open their shops.(As told to Ajay Joshi)

The Tribune

2020-05-03