Bhubaneswar defies Covid rules to stock up on provisions

BHUBANESWAR: With Yaas fast approaching the Odisha coast that is already fighting the second wave of the pandemic, on Monday lockdown norms and Covid-appropriate behaviour went for a toss across the state with people thronging markets and resorting to panic buying.
To allow people to stock up on provisions and vegetables, the state government relaxed restrictions on Monday and Tuesday from 7 am to 1 pm in 10 coastal districts likely to be affected by the cyclone.
There was a mad scramble since early in the morning at the temporary vegetable markets. People also alleged that there is shortage of vegetables and essentials resulting in the skyrocketing of prices.
“Memories of Amphan and Faniis still fresh in our mind. We are left with no option but to pray to god that the cyclone does not cause much damage in Odisha,” said Kartika Parida of Sastri Nagar. “By the time I reached the market around 9 am there were very little vegetables left. Due to the high demand, vendors increased the prices. On Friday, I bought tomato at Rs 20 per kg while on Monday it was selling for Rs 40 per kg,” said Sambit Rout, a banker.
Food supplies and consumer welfare minister Ranendra Pratap Swain asked people not to resort to panic buying as there is adequate amount of essentials in the state.
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