Retailers to shift from Koyambedu market today

The decision to this effect was taken in the second round of meetings held between the government agencies and representatives of various traders associations on Tuesday following the flouting of the physical distancing norms. Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority member secretary D Karthikeyan said that from Thursday, the fruit and vegetable traders would be shifted to Madhavaram Bus Terminus until further orders.

He added that as part of the prevention measure, it has been decided to ban entry of the public to the Koyambedu market to purchase vegetables, fruits and flowers. “Retail trade has been banned in the market.

Chennai Corporation and other local bodies would facilitate the retail sale of vegetable and fruit in open playgrounds and bus terminus,” he said in an official release.

Retailers of vegetables and fruits who are presently at the market would be allotted space by Chennai Corporation in various parts of the city. The fruit and flower market would be shifted to Madhavaram bus terminus, officials said. “Lorries carrying vegetables and food grains to the Koyambedu market from other States and districts should unload between 6 pm and 10 pm. Retail traders are allowed to purchase vegetables at the market from early hours to 7.30 am,” he said.