KOLKATA: Cops have demarcated separate entry and exit points for trucks entering the Mechhua fruit market in Jorasanko located near the containment zone of Burrabazar. They have also sealed several adjacent lanes for the safety of locals. “From now on, trucks will enter the market from Balmukund Makar Road on Central Avenue. After loading and unloading, they will exit through the MG Road side. All other lanes have been sealed,” said a police officer.
From traders, drivers to labourers working in one of India’s biggest fruit markets, everyone will have to wear masks and maintain social distancing as per norms. Parts of Burrabazar, Posta, College Street, Muktaram Babu Street, Jorasanko and Rabindra Sarani have been declared ‘Covid sensitive zones’, for which cops and civic health officials have taken additional precautionary measures. “The market is located in the middle of a containment zone where several Covid-19 positive cases have been detected. But fruits are essential and the market caters to large parts of eastern and north eastern states. That is why, we had to let it operate,” said a senior police officer.
Nearly 100 fruits-laden trucks are entering the market daily from different parts of the state. Earlier, there were no designated points to load and unload the fruits from the trucks that would be parked haphazardly with cartons dumped on the carriageway. The auction of fruits would attract thousands of retailers from across south Bengal.
Several lanes that lead to the fruit market have also been sealed. Cops from Lalbazar visited the market and held discussions with the local merchants before sealing several streets leading to the market.
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Some city zones, even at the best of times, are places where hygiene does not exactly thrive. Discretion is all-important. There will have to be a balance between precautions and commerce.
From traders, drivers to labourers working in one of India’s biggest fruit markets, everyone will have to wear masks and maintain social distancing as per norms. Parts of Burrabazar, Posta, College Street, Muktaram Babu Street, Jorasanko and Rabindra Sarani have been declared ‘Covid sensitive zones’, for which cops and civic health officials have taken additional precautionary measures. “The market is located in the middle of a containment zone where several Covid-19 positive cases have been detected. But fruits are essential and the market caters to large parts of eastern and north eastern states. That is why, we had to let it operate,” said a senior police officer.
Nearly 100 fruits-laden trucks are entering the market daily from different parts of the state. Earlier, there were no designated points to load and unload the fruits from the trucks that would be parked haphazardly with cartons dumped on the carriageway. The auction of fruits would attract thousands of retailers from across south Bengal.
Several lanes that lead to the fruit market have also been sealed. Cops from Lalbazar visited the market and held discussions with the local merchants before sealing several streets leading to the market.
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