Mangaluru: A few weeks ago the district administration had decided to move the wholesalers and retailers of fruits and vegetables from the Central Market to the APMC yard in Baikampady as a measure to curb the spread of coronavirus. Abiding by the decision, the wholesalers and retailers moved their respective businesses, however, they have been complaining that basic facilities are absent at the APMC yard.
Many wholesalers and retailers have not yet been allotted any shops, forcing them to conduct their business on the ground. The businessmen already had problems with the dust cover in the yard, a problem that was made worse by the recent rains. Many of the fruits and vegetables were submerged in dirty water and sludge.
Business at the APMC yard generally starts at around 3 AM every day. As the lighting facility in the yard is insufficient, the businessmen have been using charger lights. The yard doesn’t even have proper toilet facilities.
Added to all of this, business has fallen by around 40 per cent compared to when they were selling at the Central Market, the wholesalers and retailers informed.
Snakes and other creatures are also a common sight at the APMC yard as the area is surrounded by forests. Some of the shopkeepers also recalled that a few days ago, a python had entered the yard
Frustrated by the mounting problems, the wholesalers and retailers have warned that they will stop their business if the district administration does not provide them with basic facilities.
