PMC asks cops to take action against ‘midnight sale’ of vegetables to vendors

Pune municipal commissioner said that the city police should stop farmers' vehicles from entering city limits, and the local police should take action and register cases against those selling vegetables on streets and footpaths.

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The PMC had earlier banned vegetable vendors from operating on roads and footpaths, and allowed only farmers’ markets to operate in the city. (Express photo by Pavan Khengre)

After receiving a number of complaints, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has urged Pune City Police to take action against farmers who are “illegally” supplying vegetables to vendors in the night.

The PMC had earlier banned vegetable vendors from operating on roads and footpaths, and allowed only farmers’ markets to operate in the city.

“The PMC had banned sale of vegetables on roads and footpaths after the lockdown… as social distancing norms were being violated by local residents,” said municipal commissioner Shekhar Gaikwad. He said the PMC had announced a list of farmers’ markets across the city where vegetables are sold. “But it has been noticed that some farmers and traders are illegally selling agriculture produce to road-side vendors in the night… they are not following preventive measures needed to check spread of the disease,” said Gaikwad.

These farmers were putting at risk not only the vendors they were selling items to, but even the customers who will buy vegetables from the vendors, said Gaikwad, adding that the civic body has received complaints from local residents as well as elected representatives on the issue.

The municipal commissioner said the city police should stop farmers’ vehicles from entering city limits, and local police should take action and register cases against those selling vegetables on streets and footpaths.

The anti-encroachment cell of PMC has already initiated action against such vendors.

Ajay Jadhav

Ajay Jadhav is an Assistant Editor with The Indian Express, Pune, a role that reflects his seniority and editorial Authority. He is a highly specialized journalist whose work demonstrates significant Expertise in the critical areas of urban development, governance, and sustainability, often linking policy to its on-the-ground impact across Maharashtra. Expertise Senior Editorial Role: As an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, Ajay Jadhav contributes to the editorial direction and maintains high standards of Trustworthiness and quality in his reporting. Core Specialization: His reporting focuses intensely on the intersection of infrastructure, politics, and social development, with expertise in: Infrastructure and Civic Issues: Provides in-depth coverage of crucial development and urban governance topics. His work includes reporting on the glaring contrast between planned infrastructure projects (like private helipads) and the lack of basic facilities (schools and hospitals) in politically significant areas, highlighting accountability gaps. Politics and Governance: Consistently reports on political developments, scrutinizing decision-making that affects public life and development initiatives in Maharashtra. Sustainable Development & Environment: Demonstrates a commitment to responsible development by reporting on initiatives that successfully protect the environment while ensuring essential infrastructure development. Investigative and Policy Impact: National Impact: Ajay has written notable research articles on Conservancy staff which achieved a nationwide impact by directly contributing to the framing of policies aimed at improving the working conditions of waste-handling laborers. This demonstrates his capacity for impactful, evidence-based journalism. Additional Interests Personal Engagement: His background as a trekker and sports enthusiast suggests a keen personal interest in the environment and outdoor spaces, which likely informs his detailed and passionate reporting on sustainable development and civic issues. Ajay Jadhav's sustained focus on governance, his track record of high-impact policy-shaping research, and his critical eye for infrastructure gaps establish him as a trusted and authoritative source for news and analysis in Pune and Maharashtra. ... Read More

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