Bhubaneswar: In view of a possible cyclone in the state, Odisha Food Supplies Minister Ranendra Pratap Swain on Thursday warned traders against hoarding and black marketing.
“The government is fully on alert. Our Chief Minister is keeping a close watch on the situation over the possible cyclone. As per his instruction, we have warned that if there is any kind of black marketing we will deal it with a strong hand,” said Swain.
Swain added that steps are being taken to prevent the black marketing of commodities.
“We have adequate stock of essential commodities and people should not resort to panic buying. Strict action will be taken against traders resorting to hoarding,” said the Minister.
A cyclonic circulation has been formed over South Andaman Sea and neighborhood on May 4. Under its influence, a Low-Pressure Area is likely to form over the same region around May 6. It is very likely to move northwestwards and intensify gradually into a Depression during the subsequent 48 hours.
Earlier on Thursday, the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) directed 18 Collectors to take precautionary measures ahead of the possible cyclone.
