Agartala , Aug 23, 2024, TRIPURATIMES Desk

Agartala Aug 23: In view of the critical flood situation in Tripura, the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Sushanta Chowdhury chaired a review meeting on Friday to assess the stock of food and fuel and prevent any artificial crisis.

The meeting conducted at the official chamber of the minister in the Secretariat saw the presence of Director, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department, Sub-Divisional Controller (Food), representatives from All Tripura Distributors Association, All Tripura Merchants Association, Potato, Onion and Garlic Merchant Association, Wholesale Groceries Merchant Association and officials from Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), responsible for petroleum and LPG supply.

Later, addressing a press conference, the food minister assured the citizens that essential commodities, including rice, pulses, and fuel, are well-stocked.

Emphasizing that the department is actively working to prevent anxiety among the public, Chowdhury said, “The focus is on ensuring the availability of petroleum products, LPG cylinders, and daily necessities at regular prices. The department aims to prevent any undue price hikes or black-market activities during this challenging period”.

By addressing supply chain challenges, the Food Department aims to alleviate the impact of the disaster on the local population, he said.

The minister informed, “The state’s current stock includes 76 days of rice, 99 days of flour, 31 days of salt, 16 days of lentils, and 5 days of sugar under the public distribution system. Additionally, open market stocks include rice (27 days), dal (11 days), edible oil (83 days), potato (7 days), onion (5 days), flour (42 days), sugar (25 days), and salt (38 days)”.

“Also, there’s no alarm regarding fuel. The state currently has a 9-day reserve of petrol and diesel”.

Minister Chowdhury warned unscrupulous traders attempting to exploit the crisis by inflating prices. He said, legal action will be taken against such dishonest practices.

In response to journalists’ queries, the Sushanta revealed that 3,140 food packets have already been distributed in flood-affected areas due to heavy rains.

An additional 8,000 food packets are prepared for distribution, with 7,000 more packet-making materials in storage.

The Food Department aims to distribute approximately 20,000 food packets, said Nirmal Adhikari, Director, Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs.

Sushanta Chowdhury sought collective efforts of all the stakeholders for maintaining stability in essential commodities despite the flood crisis in the state.