Temporary market started in Balurghat, to continue till Apr 14

BALURGHAT: With aim to maintain social distancing to prevent the spread of Coronavirus, a temporary vegetable, fish and meat market started functioning at high school ground near Superintendent of Police's office on Tuesday. The temporary market, according to District Magistrate Nikhil Nirmal, will continue till April 14.

Speaking to Millennium Post, Nirmal said: "We have taken decision to shift the market temporarily to maintain social distancing and reduce rush to abide by the order of Complete Safety Restrictions imposed by the state. This shifting will help us to control mass gathering and achieve the mission of containment of COVID-19."

In a recent order, the District Magistrate has directed the merchants selling essential commodities to keep their shops open from 6 am to 12 pm.

Confectionaries, restaurants and tea stalls have been asked to close down and suspend operation during the period except the kitchen of selected restaurants, which can only be functional in serving food for domestic purpose.

According to him, there is no shortage of rice in the district at present. Around 12,000 metric-tonnes of rice is available, while approximately 3,200 metric-tonnes of rice is required every month which is much less than the stock.

Supply will be made available through PDS ration shops. This apart the transporters have been assured that supply chain of essential goods will not be violated, while brick kilns have been asked to stop work immediately.