Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, July 10: A huge stock of about 3 lakh kilogrammes of rice, sugar and flour bags, are rotting in Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (CAPD) godown at Largam in Shopian district of South Kashmir for last 12 years, but the concerned authorities are clueless about this massive stock.
CAPD employees deployed at the store told EXCELSIOR that the stock was lying from more than 12 years in the godown and the concerned authorities including district administration has failed to clear the store.
They said apart from stink emanating from this huge stock, insects have spread in rest of the godown due to which fresh ration supply also gets affected due to their attack.
Rafiq Ahmad Dar, a resident said that the area is under threat as stink is emanating from the godown and it could lead to spread of diseases in neighboring area. “While passing through a nearby road, commuters have to cover their faces due to foul smell in the area,” he said.
CAPD Minister Chowdary Muhammad Ramzan was surprised when he was told that huge rotten stock was lying in the godown. “This is a huge quantity, I don’t think it would be lying in the store as the quantity is sufficient to feed the State for a month,” he said.
“I will confirm it and action would be taken accordingly,” he said, adding, it would be better for you to contact Director CAPD.
When contacted Secretary CAPD, Baseer Ahmad Khan said that he doesn’t have any information about the huge stock of rotten ration lying in the CAPD godown.
“I will confirm it and then I can comment on it,” he said.
Deputy Commissioner Shopian, Bashir Ahmad Bhat admitted that there was a huge rotten stock, but added that there was some legal issue regarding the stock that was why it was not destroyed.
CAPD, Tehsil Supply Office (TSO), Manzoor Ahmad Turey said they have brought it several times to the notice of higher authorities including former CAPD Minister Qamar Ali Akhoon, but no action has been taken so far.
“Even few committees were formed in the past, but no action was taken so far,” he said.
Turey also said that the lower rung officials of CAPD are worried as people have stopped purchasing rice and other item from nearby ration depots citing the reasons that insects have attacked these essential items.
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