Srinagar, May 02: A day after the government announced the operating timing of Parimpora Mandi, the New Kashmir Fruit Association (NKFA)Saturday appealed admin to increase the working hours.Chairman NKFA, Bashir Ahmad Bashir told JKNS that that Lt. Governor administration to increase the working hours.“Parimpora mandi is the largest wholesale Mandi and almost all varieties of fresh fruit/vegetables from J&K (UT) and outside UT arrives in bulk in our Mandi,” he said.Bashir said the fixing of working hours to the extent of only 4 hours is not, therefore, enough and will create an acute shortage of these essential items in the markets, with the result in the general public will face acute shortage of fresh stock.He said parimpora is one of the largest Fruit Mandi after Delhi and different varieties of fresh fruits and vegetables arriving from various parts of the country. if covid-19 and the restrictions imposed there upon by the government.“The divisional Administration and district Administration as well had several meetings with the management of this association with direction to put open our Fruit Mandi for a full week but restricting the working hours only for four (4) hours,” he said.Bashir said our mandi is the largest wholesale Mandi and almost all varieties of fresh fruit/vegetables from J&K (UT) and outside UT arrives in bulk in our Mandi.The fixing of working hours to the extent of only 4 hours is not, therefore, enough and will create an acute shortage of these essential items in the markets
“More so during the short period of working of 4 hours only the maintenance of social distancing is also not possible which is essentially required in view of the threat of covid-19,” he said.Bashir urged admin to look into this matter and consider and convey necessary directions to Divisional/District Administration Kashmir division allowing the working hours of this Fruit Mandi from 4 am to 12 noon daily.The necessary norms for curtailing spread of Covid-19 as advised by the Govt machinery could be implemented letter and spirit and also the essential commodities like fresh Fruits/Vegetables could also become easily available to the general Public against affordable rates.The proposed timing of working hours of this fruit marketing Complex Parimpora Srinaar is once again reproduced as under 4 am to 12 noon, Bashir said. (JKNS)