Ganderbal, Feb 23 (KNO): The district administration, Ganderbal, on Monday conducted a market checking drive in Kangan to ensure availability of quality food items at genuine rates for consumers in the ongoing holy month of Ramadan.
Officials told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the joint drive was carried out by the civil and police administration. The inspection team was led by SDM Kangan, Nazir Ahmad Bhat, and included SDPO Kangan Rajiv Raina, SHO Kangan Younis Ah Khan, Tehsildar Kangan, Food Inspector and other officials from the Food Department.
During the drive, the team inspected rate lists, quality of essential commodities and hygiene conditions in various shops, particularly those dealing with vegetables, meat and chicken, which witness high demand during Ramadan.
An official said that a fine of Rs 2,700 was imposed on some traders for violations, while several shopkeepers were warned to strictly adhere to prescribed norms regarding pricing and hygiene.
Speaking to KNO, SDM Kangan Nazir Ahmad Bhat said that market checking is a routine exercise, but special drives are intensified during Ramadan to prevent overpricing and ensure quality standards. “We have constituted teams that are visiting different markets on alternate days. Today, we personally visited Kangan along with the Tehsildar, Food Inspector and police officials,” he said.
He added that the drive was both enforcement and awareness-oriented. “We are conveying a clear message to traders to sell quality food items at genuine and government-approved rates. There has been noticeable improvement in several shops, especially meat shops, since our last inspection,” he said.
The SDM further informed that food samples have been collected from certain outlets for laboratory testing to verify quality standards. “If any violation is found, strict action, including fines and other legal measures, will be taken as per norms,” he said.
He appealed to shopkeepers to maintain proper hygiene and comply with regulations, while urging the public to report any instances of overcharging or the sale of substandard items to the administration.
“People should immediately inform the authorities if they come across any irregularities. Strict action will be taken against violators,” he said—(KNO)