Relocated markets in Thane find few takers

Manoj Badgeri | TNN | Apr 12, 2020, 14:39 IST

THANE: Fewer traders turned up at the relocated vegetable market spots in Thane thus creating a shortage of the commodity in local markets resulting in a spike of rates at the retail marts.
The Thane corporation had distributed the stalls at the important Jambhli naka market to four different places including Parsik reti bunder in Kalwa, Pokhran-1, Dhokali and Boriwade grounds in Thane starting Friday to enforce social distancing. However, majority traders, except for a few at Pokhran spot, refused to relocate and decided against operating due to which the demand increased compared to the supply resulting in last minute inflation in prices.
“There were barely 40 traders operating at the Pokhran-1 spot early on Friday and despite arrangements of social distancing made by the authorities, retail buyers along with wholesalers ended up crowding these stalls. However, others who were assigned the Parsik spot didn’t turn up while those at the other two areas along the Ghodbunder also decided against operating,” said a member of the Shivaji Maidan vegetable seller’s association of nearly 102 vendors.
With limited options available, several retailers ended up spiking the prices of usual vegetables for consumers. A trader at the Gaondevi market said there were fewer vegetables available in the market and rates were nearly double than what was selling on Thursday. A housewife who purchased the stock at Vishnunagar complained she had to pay Rs 20 for a bunch of coriander while cabbage was sold at Rs 100 per kg.
Sandeep Malvi, deputy municipal commissioner said they have temporarily relocated the markets in the best interest of the residents. “We are doing our best to ensure residents don’t turn up at the wholesale markets and purchase their stock from their locality but to no use,” he said.