RAMBAN, MARCH 23: In light of the ongoing Holy Ramzan and Navratras festivals, enforcement agencies in Ramban district have intensified market checking drives on the orders of Deputy Commissioner Mussarat Islam. A joint inspection team led by CEO of the Municipal Council Sudershan Kumar, accompanied by a Khilafwarzi inspector, officials from the Pollution Control Committee and Food Safety Officer conducted market checks and fined defaulters a total of Rs 7200.During surprise raids at Bowli Bazar, Maitra Market, DC office road Mandi and Atri Chowk, 20 shopkeepers were fined and 48 kgs of banned polythene carry bags below 120 microns were seized. The Food Safety Officer inspected the quality of food and edible products such as milk and milk products, sweets, meat, chicken, fruits and vegetables. Two shopkeepers were fined under section 56 and one under section 58 of the Food Safety Act. Spoiled fruits and vegetables were also destroyed.Shopkeepers and vendors were instructed to maintain hygiene and quality of eatables and to display price lists of commodities. Additional Deputy Commissioner Harbans Lal informed that the district administration has already directed concerned departments to ensure availability of essential commodities at prescribed rates and in a hygienic manner during the festive month.CEO Sudershan Kumar said that the aim of the market checks was to maintain hygiene and fresh stocks of eatables in the market, as well as to curb black marketing and profiteering of essential commodities.
