New Delhi: Concerned about the growing number of coronavirus COVID-19 cases and people violating social distancing and lockdown, the Maharashtra government on Monday (April 13) shut the wholesale markets for grains, spices and dry fruits at APMC market in Navi Mumbai.
Earlier on April 11, the government had closed the vegetable and fruits market yards at Vashi APMC while the Panvel APMC has been shut since April 10 since people openly violated social distancing while they came out to purchase in the area.
According to reports, almost 450 trucks carrying grains and spices used to supply goods at the market every day. 200 trucks of fruits used to also come to mandi on a daily basis. At least 500-700 trucks carrying vegetables and another 100-200 vehicles for only potato and onions used to come at Navi Mumbai APMC market alone every day. At present, more than 100 of these vehicles are being sent to Mumbai directly.
If the government continues the ban on APMC mandi for more days, the people may start struggling for essentials. However, as per sources, the Uddhav Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghadi government is expected to resume functioning of the Navi Mumbai APMC market from April 15 onwards.
To ensure an adequate supply of grains, vegetables, spices and other essential items, among people, the authorities have sent at least 4,000 trucks to Mumbai in the last 20 days.
On April 8, a trader, who runs a shop at the spice market in Navi Mumbai APMC had tested positive for coronavirus. The trader, a resident of Sion in central Mumbai, and after his reports confirmed that he was coronavirus positive, he was admitted to a private hospital for treatment.
