Residents restock shelves as city braces for shutdown

Shops selling vegetables, eggs and other grocery items were seen struggling to meet the demand and managethe crowd.

“As all the vegetable shops, including wholesale shops in Koyambedu wholesale market, have been asked to close, residents are in panic mode. If the Koyambedu market shuts down, there will be no vegetables to stock across the city,” said Chandran, a vegetable vendor in Choolaimedu.

He added that apart from regular customers, several new customers came to his shop but he was unable to provide them sufficientvegetables.

Apart from other vegetables, residents were seen thronging at provision shops. “Most of my customers bought groceries on Friday itself. On Saturday also, we had several customers buying eggs and bread. I will not open my shop on Sunday,” said Abdul Kader, another shop owner.

Meat and fish shops, too, witnessed a huge rush since Saturday morning.

“We cook non-vegetarian food every Sundays. As the government announced a curfew, we bought mutton and stored it in the freezer. We will use this curfew as an opportunity to spend time with the family and have good food,” said Kalyani, a resident of Choolaimedu.

Kumaran, a fish vendor in Choolaimedu fish market, said he has never seen heavy crowd to buy fish on a Saturday evening.

To provide food to those without a kitchen at home, like bachelors and workers who are staying on their own, the Greater Chennai Corporation has decided to keep Amma Canteens open on Sunday.

Corporation Commissioner G Prakash said all 407 Amma Canteens across the city would function as usual during the Janata Curfew. “Also, homeless persons can stay in the shelters for homeless functioning in 51 places. We have made adequate arrangements to provide food for them,” he added.

An official said measures have been taken to prepare food for around 3,000 homeless persons in the shelters. Presently, around 1,800 persons are staying at the shelters. “To know the details and addresses of the night shelters, the public can contact 1913, 044 25303849 and 9445190472 or visit www.chennaicorporation.gov.in,” a Chennai Corporation press statement said.

The Commissioner also assured that all 156 community halls across the city would be kept open for homeless persons if necessary.

The civic body has also instructed urban health centres and maternity hospitals to remain open, and conservancy operations, too, would continue as usual.

“Though some companies have allowed its employees to work from home, I have to work as my nature of work falls under essential service. So, I could not go to my native. The Corporation decision would help persons staying alone in the city,” said Sugumar, a petrol bunk employee.