NMMC initiates measures to streamline grocery supplies

NAVI MUMBAI: The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation will allow grocery shops to operate only between 9am and 5pm to discourage gatherings. NMMC is also working on a special app, where traders will have to register, and residents can place an order for door delivery of groceries. Supermarkets have been ordered to open special counters for sale of milk during morning hours so that social distancing can be maintained.
NMMC convened a meeting with the representatives of wholesalers’ and retailers’ body to find the ways out for smooth supply of groceries to the end users. As doorstep delivery has been a major obstacle since the lockdown was enforced, residents struggle to get essentials on time and in the desired quantity. Retailers too encounter problems while transporting grocery items from wholesalers in private vehicles.
A retailer Pranav Gupta said, “Wholesalers are reluctant to deliver the groceries. On the other hand, there’s a long queue at the wholesaler’s place when we go to pick up personally. Again, we find it tough to carry groceries in the private vehicles, leading to shortage of essentials.” However, wholesalers say that only limited staff are allowed in the market yard putting them in trouble while attending to customers.
Speaking to TOI, NMMC commissioner Annasaheb Misal, said, “We had a meeting with the traders and took note of their problems. We have decided to issue them limited passes for their staff so that business gets back to normal and social distancing is maintained at workplace. Retailers will get passes to ferry essentials in private vehicles. We will assist the essential service providers with all possible help so that residents don’t have to suffer.”