Special squad formed to curb price rise, hoarding during Onam in Ernakulam

The district administration on Wednesday formed a special squad to prevent hoarding of commodities, food adulteration, and malpractices in weighing machines during the Onam season. The squad has officials from six departments, including Revenue, Public Distribution, Legal Metrology, Food Safety, Local Self Government and the police.

The squad will inspect fuel bunks, LPG agencies, wholesale and retail outlets of groceries, and hotels. Price rise during festive seasons affects the common people the most. Hence, the squad will intensify inspections in the coming days, said District Collector G. Priyanka in a release.

All shops and restaurants should exhibit legible price lists and issue statutory bills. Wholesalers should keep records of stock and sales, matching market data. Purchase bills must be kept at all wholesale and retail centres, the Collector said.

She added that merchants should ensure the availability of vegetables and groceries in view of the higher demand during Onam, thus preventing price rise.

The decisions were taken at a special meeting of officials chaired by the Collector. The meeting noted that commercial establishments must pay attention to observing the green protocol during Onam.

Steps should be taken to prevent the inflow of plastic products to the market. Banned items such as leaf, tumblers, plates, and cutlery made of plastic should be avoided. Waste must be segregated at source, the meeting noted.

District Supply Officer S.O. Bindu and representatives of traders attended the meet.