Panel puts Mandi Board Secretary, MC Chief Engineer, DC on notice

Taking a suo motu cognisance of a news report published in Chandigarh Tribune on July 24 about pathetic condition of roads, sanitation  issues and encroachments in the fruit and vegetable market in Sector 26 here, Punjab State and Chandigarh (UT) Human Rights Commission has issued notices to the Secretary, Mandi Board, UT, the Chief Engineer, Municipal Corporation, and the Deputy Commissioner of UT, directing them to submit their reports on the matter a week before the next date of hearing, which is September 11.

The commission comprising Chairperson Justice Sant Parkash and Member Justice Gurbir Singh, in its order, stated that it has perused the news-item, “Muddy roads, heaps of rotten vegetables raise a stink at Sector 26 mandi”. The panel stated, “It is a matter of serious concern that Chandigarh residents purchase and consume vegetables and fruits from the mandi and the unhygienic conditions can become a cause of spread of infections and diseases.”

The order read the Commission takes cognisance of the matter. Accordingly, let a complaint be put up before the Secretary, Mandi Board, UT, the MC Chief Engineer and the UT Deputy Commissioner to submit their reports a week before the next date of hearing. The Commission stated that a copy of the order, along with a copy of the news-item, be sent to the three officials on e-mail and by post for compliance and to the UT Chief Secretary for information.

Issues to be resolved soon, traders assured

A delegation from the Grain Market Welfare Association on Thursday met Hari Kallikkat, Secretary, Agriculture Marketing Board, UT, who assured it of resolving all issues plaguing the fruit, vegetable and grain market in Sector 26.

Association president Mohit Sood led the delegation that met Kallikkat at his office in the UT Secretariat. Sood said the association raised the issues of sanitation, roads and illegal encroachments. Paver blocks were laid in a small portion of the market. There is no proper parking in the area. Even street lights are not functioning at many places, he said, adding that the number of illegal vendors was also increasing day by day.

Sood said Kallikkat assured the delegation that the road work would be completed soon, while sanitary conditions and sewerage system would be improved too.

Paviter Singh, Administrator of Market Committee, was also present during the discussion.

Chandigarh