Ludhiana: Unhygiene at new sabzi mandi concerns visitors

Unhygienic conditions in the new sabzi mandi near Karabara Chowk, Ludhiana, pose threat to the health of the visitors as the mandi authorities seem to have turned a blind towards cleanliness.

Vegetables and fruits are supplied to several parts of the city as well as the district from this mandi where congress grass (white-top weed) is also welcoming the visitors.

Heaps of rotten fruits and vegetables produce foul smell while bees and flies can be seen on the open fruits and vegetables. Though the health officials including district health officer visited the mandi on Thursday, they couldn't take a notice of the unhygienic conditions.

The visitors want the authorities concerned to ensure cleanliness at this mandi. The visitors said that the sellers throw the rotten vegetables and fruits on road area on the mandi premises. Also the congress grass can cause severe allergy and respiratory problems but the officials concerned don't pay attention, claimed the visitors.

A vegetable vendor said, “Cleanliness is required but who will ask the agents to pay attention towards hygiene. Also the encroachments are raised on the premises of the mandi and litter is thrown on the road. There is a need to take necessary steps to install garbage bins so that nobody throws any waste material here and there.” The health department should also issue directions to maintain hygiene, he added.

District health officer Dr Anil Verma said that the department officials will pay a visit to the area and if the area is found unhygienic, necessary steps will be taken. He said that the staff of mandi should ensure cleanliness.

Residents speak

The authorities concerned should install bins in the mandi. Congress grass should be removed. Besides, caution boards should be displayed and fine should be imposed if anyone is found littering the mandi premises.

Simranjit Singh

Maintaining cleanliness here is a big concern. I don't know why the authorities concerned don't pay attention towards hygiene. Heaps of rotten vegetables, fruits should be removed while the parking of vehicles should be in a proper manner.

Bhupinder Singh

Official speak

Cleanliness drive is conducted in routine. However, I will also direct the staff concerned to make more efforts to ensure proper cleanliness.

Narinderpal Singh, district mandi officer