Hyderabad: Open Malakpet gunj, traders demand

Hyderabad: Traders at Malakpet Gunj swamp at the market demanding opening of the gates, which were sealed more than 20 days ago, following reports of Covid-19 positive cases. Fearing huge loss due to rotting of agriculture produce and grocery, they requested the Market committee and GHMC authorities to open one of the busiest market places in the City.

Last month, the entire market was converted into a containment zone after two positive cases were reported, and no shops were allowed to open. On Monday, the Market shop owners gathered in huge numbers and also gave representation to authorities requesting to open the shops.

According to shop owners, there were not only shops of agriculture produce but also wholesale shops of grocery, which supply essentials. During the lockdown the shops remained open and were running while adhering to the measures stipulated by the government.

"After positive cases were reported, the entire market was sealed and converted to a containment zone. We requested the authorities to remove the barricades and quarantine the lane where the positive cases were reported," said one trader. He argued that since it was more than 14 days (Quarantine period) and almost 21 days since the market was converted to a containment zone, time has come to open the market, as they would be facing huge losses.

Radha, chairperson of the Market Committee said that, the market had been sealed by the GHMC authorities and there would not be any interference of the market committee. "Eeven after the quarantine period had finished and the market remained closed. It seems that the GHMC is taking precautionary measures to control the spread of virus as the cases are increasing in nearby areas", the officer added.

Speaking to The Hans India Old Malakpet division Corporator Mohammed Saifuddin Shafi said that the traders had also requested him and Malakpet MLA for opening of shops and the MLA also tried to intervene, but GHMC is yet to take decision. Since the market was sealed the Onion and chilli traders were shifted to the city outskirts. The MLA asked the GHMC officials to allow at least kirana traders to operate, while holding ba