Prices drop as temporary market becomes functional at Tirumazhisai

“After the coming to know the seriousness of the disease, the traders are following the instructions. We have also reduced the number of traders in the wholesale market. Also, only less than 10 persons are allowed in a wholesale shop, which used to be at least 25 earlier,” said P Sukumaran, secretary, Koyambedu Wholesale Market Merchants’ Association.

To avoid crowding, public is not allowed in the market. “All the traders and vendors are given an entry pass, which they have to show to be allowed inside,” Sukumaran added.

Meanwhile, vegetable prices have reduced by 10 to 15 per cent compared to the last few days after the market opened for business. Now, onion is being sold for Rs 20 per kg, tomato Rs 10 per kg, potato Rs 25 – 30 per kg, broad beans Rs 25 – 30 per kg, and carrot, beetroot, and ladies finger for Rs 15 – 20 per kg.

“Now, only 200 shops are set up in 140 acres, with a minimum of 20 feet gap between each shop. The market is disinfected every day, thermal scanning is done for vendors and traders. Also, more than 300 police personnel have been posted to monitor the market,” said a senior official at Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority. At Koyambedu wholesale market, more than 350 semi-wholesale traders staged protest on Wednesday to reopen the market. “There are more than 2,000 wholesale shops at Koyambedu but only 200 have been given space at Tirumazhisai. There are also 1,800 semi wholesale shops at the market. The officials assured that it will be reopened after a week but it’s been more than 15 days. They should either reopen the market or allot us another place,” said a trader.

Meanwhile, the Koyambedu Food Grains Traders Association moved the Madras High Court seeking for a direction to permit the wholesalers to reopen. Justice M Duraiswamy posed it to May 26 after directing the State to file counter.