New Delhi, Jul 24 (PTI) A crackdown on encroachments across Delhi’s wholesale markets has led to the demolition of an illegal 450-square-foot structure and seizure of tonnes of fruits and vegetables, officials said on Friday.
Much of the perishable produce was later donated to orphanages, old age homes and cow shelters, they said.
The drive, ordered by the Delhi Agricultural Marketing Board, targeted illegal stalls and other encroachments blocking roads, pavements, parking areas and entry and exit routes in the city’s mandis.
At the Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) Narela, a temporary structure spread over 450 square feet was demolished, while at APMC Keshopur, 18 handcarts, eight commercial weighing scales and two large umbrellas were seized.
The biggest seizure of produce was reported from Azadpur Mandi, where officials removed 11 boxes of apples, 65 boxes and two crates of mangoes, 27 boxes of plums, 10 boxes of watermelons and more than 1,000 kg of vegetables, including cauliflower, onions, bottle gourd, potatoes, tomatoes and cucumbers.
The produce was distributed to old age homes, Gurukuls and cow shelters in Kheda Khurd, officials said.
Vegetables seized during drives at Shahdara and Keshopur were also put to use, with the latter being distributed to registered orphanages. The remaining material seized at Shahdara was sent to the Ghazipur Waste-to-Energy plant.
The crackdown also resulted in Rs 9,800 being collected in fines. Of this, Rs 7,900 was collected during action at the Ghazipur Fish Market, where encroaching counters, handcarts, wooden platforms and other equipment were seized.
At Shahdara, four drives conducted between June 24 and July 20 led to the seizure of 385 kg of vegetables and the issuance of nine challans.
The board has warned traders, shopkeepers and unauthorised vendors that further encroachments would invite action under the Delhi Agricultural Produce Marketing (Regulation) Act and mandi by-laws.
Officials said surprise inspections and anti-encroachment drives would continue across the mandis. PTI MSJ MSJ MDO MDO
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