Thieves, snakes haunt traders at Tirumazhisai

Chennai

According to the traders who are now functioning from the temporary facility after the closure of Koyambedu market complex, there have been several cases of theft of vegetables and even equipment.

“There are people from the locality who steal the vegetables and weighing machines from the shops in the market. Apart from this, there were even cases of snakes entering inside the market. Though we have complained to the officials, they merely noted it down. No steps have been taken so far,” said Siva K, a trader in the market.

Besides, trader said, anti-social elements were also coming to the market, making it unsafe for the the wholesalers.

Pointing out that there were no CCTV cameras in the market, traders said it was the responsibility of the officials to ensure safety and security of traders and customers. However, they have so far failed to take appropriate steps to protect them, they added.

Meanwhile, with enough loads of vegetables reaching the market, prices have come down on Sunday, traders said. From the next week, prices might increase by up to 15 per cent, they added.

The market was receiving lesser quantity of vegetables and the scorching heat wilting the produce in the recent days. “But we started receiving more loads on Sunday compared to last week, so the prices have come down. From next week, the prices might increase up to 10 to 15 per cent because there would be a shortage in supply once again. The fluctuation of prices might continue for a few days,” said P Sukumaran, secretary, Koyambedu Wholesale Market Merchants’ Association.