The fruits supply to Jammu’s famous Narwal Mandi has witnessed about 80 % reduction while vegetables by 50 % of the normal supplies during countrywide lockdown over Coronavirus threat, while the Fruits and Vegetables Association of the Mandi has decided closure for two days on coming Sunday and Monday.

While the rates of vegetables and fruits have already gone sky- high amidst high demand and less supplies in Jammu city and other major towns of the region, the closure of Mandi for two days will further lead to increase in the rates, exerting more burden on the poor and middle class families, who are already suffering due to lockdown. The issue with regard to exorbitant rates of vegetables and fruits and non-checking by the concerned agencies is already being projected by media in the region, but any action from Government side is yet awaited.

Dismissing the reports appearing in social media with regard to three days closure of Mandi and the ‘so called’ threat issued by the Association, president of Fruit and Vegetables Association, Narwal Mandi, Surinder Singh Kala told the Excelsior that some miscreants have circulated wrong messages in social media, alleging that Narwal Mandi Association has threatened to shut down Mandi for three days on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, which is not correct. He said Sunday is weekly holiday in Narwal Mandi and only on Monday, Mandi will remain closed. During these two days, as per the suggestion of the Administration and willingness of the Association, cleanliness and sanitization drive would be launched.

Kala further disclosed that this exercise is being carried out for taking precautions and contain the spread of Coronavirus. He said one fresh Corona positive case from Bahu Fort area has Narwal Mandi connection and for this, the Mandi is being closed on Sunday and Monday. From Tuesday onwards, Narwal Mandi will resume normal operation, he clarified.