NEW DELHI: Odd-even rules will be implemented in all wholesale vegetable and fruit markets in Delhi for which the AAP government on Monday set up four Special Task Forces (STFs) and appointed seven nodal officers. Development minister Gopal Rai took the decision to forms teams following a meeting with market associations of seven wholesale markets — Azadpur, Okhla, Ghazipur and Kehopur (fruits and vegetables, Narela, Najafgarh (foodgrain), and Ghazipur (poultry and fish).
The special teams and nodal officers will work under the vice-chairperson and development secretary of Delhi Agricultural Market Board (DAMC) to ensure the Odd-Even arrangements. "As the agricultural produce has started coming, all the mandis have become pro-active to maintain proper supply in the city. I held a meeting with the market associations. The government has implemented an odd-even policy in these markets to restrict the footfall and to maintain social distancing to tackle the COVID-19 outbreak," said Rai. According to the rule, sheds will be allowed to carry out business alternatively at specific dates. Timings will be staggered —6 am to 11 am will be reserved for sale of vegetables while fruit sellers get a time slot of 2 pm to 6 pm.
Odd number platforms in each shed will operate on dates ending with 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9. Similarly, those with even number will open on alternate dates. Entry will be regulated for the time being and traders can enter only through coupons. However, traders, especially fruit sellers, are upset with the government decision allowing limited business activities, saying restrictions will lead to huge losses and also prices escalation. The Kashmir Apple Merchants Association (KAMA) at Azadpur market has written to Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal conveying its displeasure.
"The odd-even scheme will not help much because buyers will throng open sheds in large, where business will be conducted. So, social distancing will go for a toss," said Rakesh Kohli, general secretary of the association.He asserted that fruit traders are worst hit. "They are not being permitted to unload goods before 2 pm. By 6 in the evening, traders need to unload and wrap up business, which is not possible. This will incur losses and prices of produce will go up," Kohli said.But, Rajnish Bitto, wholesale dealer of vegetables at Azadpur, backed the move contending it was done keeping in mind the well-being of traders
and buyers.