LAHORE: Shopkeepers at Ramazan bazaars are facing shortage of vegetables and fruits due to the three-day continuous closure of Ravi Road vegetable market. Shopkeepers criticised the City District Government Lahore (CDGL) on its failure to provide them selling items on time, as per the consumer demand. This scribe visited various Ramazan bazaars that were established across the city. Shopkeepers, while talking to Daily Times, expressed concern over the CDGL’s mismanagement regarding the arrangements of Ramadan bazaars, saying that the department’s negligence is causing losses to their businesses. Vendors said that they were compelled to purchase goods on higher rates from the markets due to shortage of vegetables and fruits, adding that they were selling the same items on cheaper rates as per the government’s orders. They said they also informed the concerned authorities about the issue but no action was taken in this regard. They said that the Ravi Road market, the largest wholesale fruit and vegetable market of the city, was closed after the killing of two people due to some clash that erupted between two groups. However, they added, the market opened on Monday but the supply chain of fruits and vegetables was limited, resulting in chaos and mismanagement of time. They further said that the bidding process for purchasing goods in the market ended late, which further delayed the transfer of goods from market to Ramazan bazaars. When contacted, the Johar Town Ramazan Bazaar incharge said that no doubt it was a challenge for the shopkeepers but the district administration would overcome this issue soon and the shops would be operational on specific time set for Ramazan bazaars. On a query, he said the vendors met the demand of the costumers and supplied necessary items, which were provided frequently to them. Although there was some delay in the timings, but special stalls of bananas, plum and lemon were established to overcome the situation and meet the demand of consumers, he added. While visiting Model Town Link Road Ramadan Bazaar, Daily Times observed there were insufficient security arrangements, as there was no security guard present at the main entrance. Ramazan bazaar incharge Rana Saqlain said that the volunteers of civil defense were performing their duties on the main entrance, adding that the police would be deployed from today (Wednesday). On a query, he said the main reason behind minor lapses in arrangements was due to the closure of Ravi Road vegetable market. “Vendors and citizens have shown satisfaction regarding CDGL’s arrangements in the Ramazan bazaars including cleanliness, shelter, water facility among others,” he added. Citizens said that quality and standard of fruits, vegetable and essential commodities was satisfactory. DCO Lahore on Tuesday has taken notice on the issue pertaining to shortage of lemon from the market and directed the market secretary to make sure the availability of lemon into Ramazan bazaars.