Nilgiris: Shops down shutters in Gudalur, Pandalur

UDHAGAMANDALAM: Grocery, fruit and vegetable shops in Gudalur and Pandalur taluks remained closed on Wednesday, when the traders implemented their decision not to function till June 14 to curb the virus spread. There are more than 600 standalone grocery and vegetable shops in the two taluks.
Razak, secretary, Gudalur and Pandalur Traders’ Association, said the shops were crowded when they reopened on Monday after the lockdown without any relaxations ended.“We were not able to maintain the standard operating procedures. Our decision to open the shops till 1pm the next day also didn’t help, as we witnessed larger crowds. There are already more than 250 containment zones in the two taluks, which are heavily affected by the second wave. Hence, all the traders decided to close the shops till June 14.”
He said they would, however, supply the groceries and vegetables to the residents if they place tele-orders. “We hope our measures will complement the district administration’s efforts to contain the virus spread.”
Every shop has left the contact numbers on a notice board. “Once the order is packed, we will inform the customer, who can come and collect the same. This will do away with large crowds,” Razak said.