Precautionary measures to ensure free flow of essential commodities

SNS, GNGTOK: In the wake of the indefinite bandh called by the GJMM, the East District Administration in coordination with other concerned Departments of Sikkim Government has taken precautionary measures to ensure free flow of essential commodities and passenger traffic to and from Siliguri to avoid any public inconvenience. ADC East, Kapil Meena, IAS has been made the Nodal Officer to coordinate with East District Police and Nodal Officers of concerned Departments, GMC and wholesale suppliers to maintain normal supplies of essential commodities and ensure free flow of vehicular traffic. 

The vehicular movement plan is constantly monitored and coordinated by SP East. Vehicles are being released from Rangpo and Siliguri in convoy with police escort. The timing and plan of assembly is being looked after by OC Rangpo in coordination with Jt G M SNT, Siliguri. Likewise, the tentative plan of convoy is three convoys per day at 0900 hrs, 1230 hrs and 1530 hrs from Rangpo to Siliguri. In the same way, the tentative timing from Siliguri to Rangpo is around 1230 hrs and 1600 hrs. 

However, the timing may vary based on assembly of vehicles, the assessment of situation and reports received from Darjeeling District Administration. All people going to and coming from Siliguri are requested to plan their travel accordingly. To assess the status of essential supplies, a meeting was held today at 12:30 p.m. with the officials of FCS & CA department and local vendors. 

The DCSO East and the local vendors informed that there is no shortage of essential commodities as of now. They have been instructed to keep buffer stock and report to the district administration whenever a shortfall is felt. 

Further, they were briefed about the arrangements to ensure normal supply of essential commodities. Meanwhile, the Chief Secretary Mrs R Ongmu accompanied by the Deputy Mayor GMC Mr Shakti S Choudhary, Principal Secretary Home & Finance & Expenditure Department Mr M G Kiran, and concerned secretaries visited Kanchenzonga Shopping Complex here in the State capital today. 

The purpose of the visit was to enquire about the availability of food, vegetables and essential commodities and also to check the cleanliness and hygiene of the areas surrounding the market.