the goan I network
VALPOI
Alarmed over a sharp rise in coronavirus cases in Belagavi, the Keri panchayat has demanded that vehicles sending vegetables from Belagavi to Goa be stopped immediately as there was a fear that the drivers and cleaners could inadvertently bring in the dreaded disease into the State.
Addressing a news conference at the Keri panchayat hall, sarpanch Govind Gawas said most vegetable supplies come from Belagavi to Goa via the Chorla Ghat and Keri village.
“Many private traders send their own vehicles to Belgaum and bring vegetables, while some vehicles are sent from Belagavi. With a sharp rise in coronavirus cases in Belagavi, there is always a possibility that drivers and cleaners moving by these vehicles could inadvertently contract coronavirus in Belagavi and then enter into Goa, where the disease could spread,” said Gawas.
“Considering a rise in coronavirus cases in Belagavi, residents of Keri are terrified as dozens of vehicles carrying vegetable supplies move between Belagavi and Goa via Keri village on a daily basis. The government should take immediate action. We can live without vegetables for a few days, but we do not want this dreaded disease in our area,” he said.
Keri panch Laxman Gawas voiced doubts whether safety precautions were strictly implemented at the wholesale vegetable market in Belagavi.
“As long as questions about safety remain unanswered, vehicles carrying vegetables supplies from Belagavi should be stopped from entering Goa. The government should take serious note of this issue,” he said.
Panchas Vasudev Sawant, Laxman Gavas and Satyavan Gavas were also present at the news conference.
