Over Rs 1.30 lakh fine imposed; huge quantity of substandard food items destroyed

SRINAGAR: In order to prevent profiteering and black marketing in Srinagar District ahead of the upcoming auspicious festival of Eid-ul-Azha, the Special Market Checking teams of District Administration Srinagar Tuesday conducted intensified market checking in all Tehsils of the District.
The drive was conducted on the directions of the Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Mohammad Aijaz Asad to curb the practice of illegal profiteering in markets and ensure all essential commodities are sold at Government approved rates as per the quality standards with sufficient availability of consumables ahead of the Eid ul Azha festivities.
The Market Checking Squads headed by Tehsildar concerned and Officers from Police, Food Safety, SMC, FCS&CA and Legal Metrology Departments under the supervision of SDM West and SDM East conducted intensive market checking in South, Eidgah, North, Khanyar, Chanpora, Baghat, Panthachowk, and Central Shalteng Tehsils of the District Srinagar.
During the drive the checking teams inspected number of markets of the City including Eidgah, Soura, Lalbazar, Chanpora, Hyderpora, Sanant Nagar, Nowhata, Khanyar, Nishat, Brein, Parimpora, Barthana, Qamarwari, Hazratbal, Panthachowk, Dalgate, Lalchowk, Karan Nagar during which several erring shopkeepers found failing to maintain the quality of food items, not displaying rate lists of essential commodities, selling expiry products, besides indulging in practices of illegal profiteering and sale of underweight products.
A fine to the tune of over Rs 1.30 lakh was also realised from the erring shopkeepers like Bakery, confectionery, grocery, vegetable, fruits, milk, meat and chicken selling shops for violating different provisions of Food Safety and Standards Act.
In addition, huge quantities of substandard food items including fruits and vegetables were destroyed besides polythene bags were sealed and damaged on the spot.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Mohammad Aijaz Asad stressed on owners of all Business establishments/shopkeepers to maintain quality and standard of essential commodities and ensure all essential commodities are sold at Government approved rates. He asked the market checking teams to continue the drive even after Eid-ul-Azha.

KR Desk