SHILLONG/ MAWKYRWAT: Owing to the unprecedented situation prevailing in the state due to the COVID-19 pandemic, issues with regard to marketing of commodities, especially farmers’ produce, have come a long way and a step to improve it is pertinent.
People have resorted to violation of distancing norm and other protocols, misuse of curfew pass across the state besides other flouting of rules in place to prevent the spread of the deadly virus.
To ease the burden of the people, the district administration of East Khasi Hills and South West Khasi Hills have taken initiatives to tackle the present situation with regard to marketing of produce.
In East Khasi Hills, the district administration along with authorities in the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) as well as the Hima Mylliem inspected some areas in Mawlai Mawroh with the intent to set up an alternative market.
KHADC CEM Titosstarwell Chyne said farmers have been struggling to sell their produce and the step taken to inspect Mawlai Mawroh is to decide the future course of action in this regard.
“We will come up with a plan and send it to the state government with the hope that it will help us in constructing the market which will have stalls, cold storage, parking, jails and other facilities for shopkeepers,” he said.
Meanwhile, the district administration of South West Khasi Hills will set up another market in Mawkyrwat for vendors to sell their products.
Speaking to The Shillong Times, Mawkyrwat MLA Renikton L Tongkhar, on Friday, informed that a managing committee is left to be constituted for operating the market.
Tongkhar said that the congestion in Mawkyrwat Market, which continues to be regulated with entry for only those with valid IDs, has forced the district administration to put restrictions. In the wake of complaints from the public with regard to entry into the Mawkyrwat market, the district administration has decided to set up a separate market, the MLA said.
“The DC has also agreed to issue a notification calling for Expression of Interest for individuals or NGOs/societies, who will set up the market and also ensure cleanliness and other needs of the public,” Tongkhar added. He also informed that the deputy commissioner will notify with regard to items that will be sold in the new market.
The matter has also been taken up with local Congress MDC, Carness Sohshang and other leaders, Tongkhar said, adding that majority of them agreed to contribute to the cause setting aside all politics.
