Residents of Panchkula are expressing growing frustration and a sense of deception as fruit and vegetable sellers across the city continue to use coloured lighting to artificially enhance the appearance of their produce. This widespread practice, allegedly occurring with the tacit approval of the local municipal body, is making it difficult for consumers to judge the true freshness and quality of what they buy.
Widespread Practice in Weekly Markets
The use of tinted lights is reportedly common in weekly mandis spread across various sectors of Panchkula. Vendors strategically employ lights that match the colours of specific items—green lights for leafy vegetables, red for apples and pomegranates, and similar combinations for other produce. This artificial illumination masks imperfections, discolouration, and signs of ageing, effectively misleading customers about the actual state of the goods.
One local resident took to social media to voice the collective annoyance, stating, "Haryana is already a leader in innovation. Look at the innovative methods used by Panchkula's vendors (in alleged connivance with authorities) to cheat unsuspecting consumers by using coloured lighting. Why is there no standard? This is unethical and misleading." This sentiment captures the feeling of many who feel cheated in their daily purchases.
Calls for Municipal Corporation Action Grow Louder
Mohit Gupta, the founder of Solution Box, has strongly echoed these public concerns. He has urged the Panchkula Municipal Corporation (MC) to step in and enforce existing rules. "The MC must enforce rules so that colourful lights are not used. It is open cheating. Residents are worried, and we will take up the issue with the corporation," Gupta asserted. He highlighted the apparent contradiction where the civic body collects daily fees from vendors for stall setups but fails to ensure compliance with basic fair trade practices, including the use of proper, non-deceptive lighting.
A Precedent Exists, But Compliance is Lacking
This issue is not a novel one for the region. The Punjab and Haryana High Court had earlier banned the use of coloured lights in Chandigarh's markets. The court had directed that only white lighting be permitted at fruit and vegetable stalls to prevent the fleecing of buyers. However, this directive seems to have had little impact in neighbouring Panchkula.
Mohit Gupta added, "Though these directions were issued for Chandigarh, the problem persists in neighbouring Panchkula. The MC must act to prevent exploitation of residents. People hope the corporation will take corrective measures in line with the high court's stance and ensure transparency in local markets." The call is now for the Panchkula Municipal Corporation to follow the judicial precedent set by the high court and implement clear regulations that protect consumers from such deceptive tactics, ensuring a fair and transparent marketplace for all.
