The ‘uzhavar sandhais’ established in the State over a decade back has been a success. The very fact that the government had opened it in all the cities/towns and even in peripheries showed the overwhelming response from the user public and farmers.
However, upkeep of these sandhais have come in for sharp criticism .
With continuous rain, shopping at the uzhavar sandhais seems to be a nightmarish experience for many. The first sandhai in Tamil Nadu, which was opened in Anna Nagar here, is a classic example of how a sandhai should not be. Though there is good turnout of public and farmers, the poor maintenance reflects on the official apathy, was how the public commented.
The vegetables and fruits are not only fresh, but are also affordable. The rates are displayed on the board. It is good to purchase directly from farmers. It is in a way farm fresh… “But what is the use…I almost crashed on the floor due to the slush here,” was how a senior citizen fumed at the staff in the Anna Nagar sandhai on Monday.
The farmers who arrived here in the morning had suggested to the staff to drain the rain water and also cover the slush with debris, which would prevent people from falling.
But there was no response till 9 a.m. With Ayudha puja celebrations around the corner, many had turned up to purchase fruits as well. The sandhai witnessed steady stream of visitors from as early as 7.30 a.m., public said. Many of them complained about the poor upkeep with the staff.When The Hindu contacted, Agriculture Marketing Committee officials, they said that paver blocks would be laid in the sandhais – Anna Nagar and B.B. Kulam – in the city soon. “Once the proposal gets the nod from the government and funds are sanctioned, the works would be carried out,” they added.
