SDA, GJEPC urge traders not to assemble in diamond markets

Surat: The Surat Diamond Association (SDA) and the Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) have appealed the diamond merchants not to assemble at market in Varachha’s Mini Bazaar to contain the spread of coronavirus.
The industry leaders have asked merchants to make maximum use of the social media platform to connect with each other, thereby avoiding visit to diamond markets for their own safety.
Hundreds of merchants had gathered at the Varachha diamond market on Tuesday. Following the intervention of the police and the civic body, the merchants vacated the market.
President of SDA, Babu Kathiriya told TOI, “From last two days, diamond merchants are gathering at the Varachha diamond market and the social distancing norms have gone for a toss. Part of Varachha is still under containment and we don’t want the virus to spread further.”
Kathiriya added, “We have appealed the merchants not to gather in the markets. Only the diamond offices must operate with less than 50% workforce. For trading purpose, diamond merchants should make optimum use of social media to connect with the traders and manufacturers.”
There are about 5,000 diamond merchants operating in the diamond markets of Varachha and Mahidhapura. Majority of them are operating from the open places in the market.
Industry sources said that the trading of diamonds to the tune of Rs 500 crore is carried out every day from both the diamond markets in Varachha and Mahidhapura. The diamonds traded in the markets are shipped to Mumbai for the export to various countries.
Manhar Sutaria, member of the Surat Diamond Merchants’ Association said, “Following social distancing is a big problem in the diamond markets. We can’t sell diamonds without physical touch. We are awaiting revised guidelines from the administration to restart our business, till then we have appealed merchants not to gather in the markets.”