Coronavirus Pune: Milk distributors write to CM Uddhav Thackeray for extended timings

Coronavirus Pune: Milk distributors write to CM Uddhav Thackeray for extended timings

Pune: As the coronavirus lockdown in the city became stricter from April 20, consumers are facing problems procuring milk. Similarly, dairies faced issues in smooth distribution due to the changes in the lockdown rules. Though the supply might get streamlined in coming days once the new lockdown rules are clear to everyone.

“There was no pouch milk available in my area in the morning. Therefore, we had to manage with the dairy, which is close by my place,” said Jyoti Shah, resident of Aundh.

“In my area, there was little supply of milk, and we did not get any. However, our shopkeeper had informed us one day prior to the milk shortage, so we had enough stock. We can manage for one day. But if this continues for a long time then it will be difficult for us as it is an essential commodity,” said Palak Sharma, a resident of Mukund Nagar.

The curfew in the city has been implemented more strictly, and shops are allowed to be opened for a particular time only. Thus dairy owners are facing problems in the distribution of milk. Due to the lockdown order from April 20 to 27, the shops for essential commodities will remain open from 10 am to 12 pm and in some areas from 10 am to 2 pm. This restricted timing has reduced the sale of milk. Therefore, Maharashtra Milk Producers and Processors Association has written to the Divisional Commissioner, corporation, police commissioner, State Home Minister Anil Deshmukh and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar demanding a change of timings.

As milk is a perishable and essential commodity, they have demanded that timing of milk should be from 6 am to 10 am, or 7 am to 11 am and in the evening from 6 pm to 10 pm instead of the present timings. These restricted timings have not only reduced the sale but also led to crowding, which is violating social distancing norm.

WHAT DAIRY OWNERS SAY
Indraneel Chitale, Partner of Chitale Dairy, said that due to changes in rules of lockdown, there is less demand from distributors. He said, “As the lockdown rules were revised, there was confusion among distributors and retailers. Due to which, the demand from distributors was less on Monday for Tuesday, which could be the possible reason for the shortcoming in supply. However, the situation will be streamlined in a day or two once the rules are clear to everyone.”

Dattatraya Ghanekar, Managing Director of Gokul Dairy, said “Since the areas are sealed as per the lockdown rules, we faced issues of transport in some areas of the city. The demand from distributors has reduced since the lockdown as the hours are restricted.”

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