The Health Officer of the Shillong Municipality has launched a drive against sale of foodstuff which are potential source of health hazard.
During the last week several raids were made in the commercial areas, particularly in Bara Bazar, in shops dealing in eatables. Trucks-loads of fish imported from outside the State were destroyed under magisterial orders. Besides, surprise checks were carried out at the small eat house, and stale food items were thrown away.
The fish market in Bara Bazar is a forsaken place today. An eerie stillness has replaced the usual humming of people.
Meanwhile, the prices of vegetables have gone up as a sequel to the ban on sale of fish. The local traders say that the prices have been raised at source.
It is felt that the State Agriculture Department should tie up with their counterpart in Assam and make arrangement for the sale of vegetables at controlled price for such time as the import of fish and the like are prohibited. IN Assam, Govt vans carry out daily sale of vegetables round the year at different localities. It would be of great public utility if similar arrangements are made in our State.