Cuttack: In a surprise visit on Thursday evening, Minister for Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare, Krushna Chandra Patra, inspected various godowns in the Malgodam and Chhatra Bazar areas of Cuttack. The visit aimed to assess the condition of stored goods and ensure that the city is well-prepared for any potential disruptions caused by Cyclone Dana.
During the inspection, Minister Patra confirmed that there was ample stock of essential commodities, reassuring the public that the government is prepared to manage the situation. He urged godown owners and traders to cooperate with the government during natural disasters, such as cyclones and floods, and to avoid exploiting the situation by hiking prices.
Minister Patra emphasized the importance of transparency in pricing, instructing traders to clearly display prices of goods in warehouses and shops. In a proactive move to prevent price manipulation, notices were issued to five godowns under the Essential Commodities Act for failing to comply with regulations.
Amid growing concerns over potential price hikes and black marketing of essential goods in light of the approaching cyclone, the Food Department has intensified its efforts to monitor and control the situation. Officials are actively addressing complaints and taking strict action against violations to ensure fair pricing and the availability of essential commodities across the region.