SHILLONG: As one firm step towards easing local trading, the state government has decided to shortly open a makeshift wholesale vegetables market at Parking Lot, Iew Mawlong .
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong announced this after a review meeting held here on Monday to discuss on the modalities of reopening of shops in Iewduh, Police Bazaar and other parts of Shillong urban.
But there has been no firm word as yet about the immediate possibility of throwing open Iewduh and Police Bazar. Indications are that the matter was engaging serious attention of the government.
“The government has already approved a proposal for creation of temporary wholesale vegetables market at Parking Lot, Iew Mawlong at the First Floor and Second Floor will be utilized for the wholesale vegetable market and this will start very soon. We leave it to the district administration to work all the details”, he said.
He anticipated that vegetable markets will be flooded with seasonal local produce which would warrant opening of supply chain outside the state.
Underplaying apprehensions in some quarters about reopening of markets, Tynsong said that the state has faced the situation for two and a half months and the people have understood how to deal with the virus and the ultimate responsibility lies with the people.
“It is most important to reopen the economic activities. As for the virus, it is all about preventive measures”, he asserted.
On the other hand, early in the day, Agriculture Minister Banteidor Lyngdoh and Urban Affairs Minister Hamlet Dohling jointly visited parts of Iewduh to inspect the places suitable for setting up a market for the large number vegetable cultivators who were in financial doldrums because of lockdown.
Dohling said most of the farmers are burdened with the thought of loan repayment and opening the markets would be a good step.
“In our inspection, we found that there are two places but the most suitable one is the parking lot in Iew Mawlong and parking lot opposite Anjalee cinema. These areas fall under Shillong Municipal Board,’’ he said.
He said, “After we have opened some wholesale markets in the outskirts of Shillong, we find that a lot more needs to be done to market the products of the farmers. This is the season to bring the fruits of the farmers’ toil at the wholesale market to be transported outside the state”, he said.
Health protocols will have to be maintained and the District Administration has been entrusted with the task to regulate the health advisory along with the assistance of the Shillong Municipal Board.
