As we know at present the citizens of Nagpur are undergoing through a difficult situation due to the outbreak of COVID-19 followed by a nationwide lockdown. During these trying times, to halt crowding at centralised markets, Mayor Sandip Joshi has decided to introduce community markets of vegetables and fruits at affordable rates.
As per information, the first such market starts at the ground in East Laxmi Nagar in association with Rotary Club of Nagpur Down Town Chapter from April 30 onwards. The market will function from 6 to 8.30 am and the concept is that citizens can make necessary purchases in their neighbourhood instead of going to far off vegetable markets. Hence, Mayor decided to further have decentralise the vegetable markets at prominent localities so that citizens during the lockdown period do not face troubles. If the experiment at Laxmi Nagar succeeds then such community markets will be replicated in other major localities of city. Although many sellers are offering doorstep services in exorbitant price.
Hence to ensure physical distance norm is applied and citizens also get fruits and vegetables at affordable rates such small markets concept is being propped-up. Mayor held a meeting with Arvind Uprikar, Deputy Director, Department of Agriculture; Mahesh Morone, Deputy Commissioner(Markets); Shrikant Vaidya, Market Superintendent; and other officials to finalise the plan for opening the markets. The concept is that to break the big trading chain between producer and buyer and this is key to success of community market. He also appealed the citizens to avoid crowding at the community markets; everyone must wear a mask, maintaining social distance.