Ernakulam Forms Special Squad to Tackle Onam Price Hikes, Hoarding

Quick Summary

• A special squad has been formed by the district administration to curb hoarding,food adulteration,and weighing machine malpractices during onam.
• The squad includes officials from six departments: Revenue, Public Distribution, Legal Metrology, Food Safety, Local Self Government, and police.
• Inspections will target fuel bunks, LPG agencies, grocery outlets (wholesale and retail), and hotels.
• District Collector G.Priyanka emphasized that shops must display legible price lists and issue statutory bills; wholesalers must maintain stock records matching market data.
• Merchants have been urged to ensure vegetable and grocery availability due to higher Onam demand while adhering to green protocols by avoiding banned plastic items.
• Waste segregation at source was highlighted as a priority for commercial establishments during the festival season.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The district administration’s proactive measures ahead of the Onam festival highlight its commitment to consumer protection amid a season where pricing often fluctuates sharply due to increased demand. The inclusion of multiple departments into a unified squad reflects a well-rounded approach aimed at tackling not just economic issues like hoarding but also environmental challenges through green protocols such as banning certain plastic items.

This move could positively impact common citizens grappling with inflationary pressures during festivals while promoting lasting practices in local markets-an vital step considering India’s broader push towards eco-friendly reforms. However, triumphant implementation requires rigorous monitoring; ensuring compliance across diverse establishments during peak festive activity may test coordination levels within this multi-departmental setup.

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