Amid rumours about shortage of salt and a hike in prices, the Chhattisgarh government on Monday stated that there was no shortage of the vital commodity even as district administrations across the state inspected and raided godowns of wholesale salt sellers. The government clarified that around 56 lakh ration card holders are being provided salt through the public distribution system (PDS). Food department officers said that salt and other essential food items are available in the state in adequate quantity. The market rates are being monitored.
The state has salt up to 10,000 tonnes in the open market. Inspection is being carried out through the Food, Weight and Measures Department and district administrations, said the officials.
A joint team inspected wholesale markets at Dumartarai, Gudhiyari, Gol Bazar, Lakhe Nagar, Purani Basti and other parts of Raipur city to know the rate of salt and its availability. Raipur Food Controller Anurag Bhadauria said inspection teams visited 19 retail and wholesale shops seeking information regarding stocks, any demand-supply difference and the market rate. District administrations across inspected and raided godowns of wholesale salt sellers.