Cold storage units planned for Kokar, Naga Baba Khatal markets in Ranchi

Ranchi: Two of Ranchi’s busiest vegetable markets are set for an upgrade, with the Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) planning to install cold storage facilities at Kokar market near Distillery Pool and at the Naga Baba Khatal market. The move is aimed at helping vendors store perishable goods such as vegetables, fruits and fish, while also improving cleanliness and reducing garbage in the market areas.

“Initially we have planned to install the cold storages at the market in Kokar, and the second place will be Naga Baba Khatal market,” RMC administrator, Sushant Gaurav, told TOI. Officials said the facilities are expected to benefit both buyers and sellers by keeping markets cleaner and largely garbage-free.

Gaurav said all registered and approved vendors would be able to use the cold storages, reducing the daily burden of transporting goods back and forth. It will save them the cost of bringing all their products to the markets and then, at the end of the day, carrying all the unsold items back home, he said.

He added that cold storage would also prevent spoilage and reduce foul smells caused by rotting produce being discarded in and around market premises. Vegetables and fruits will not get rotten if they are kept in the cold storage, and they will not have to throw away the rotten products here and there, thus creating a stench in and around the market areas, Gaurav said. “This will lead to less dumping of waste items, better-looking, cleaner and lesser stench,” he added.

“A field survey will be carried out in the coming week and the cold storages will become functional at both the places within a month,” Gaurav said. He noted that the size and capacity of the units would depend on land availability at both sites, after which funding requirements would be finalised.

According to the administrator, the initiative will minimise organic and wet waste, improve public experience and allow vendors to access the facilities at a bare minimum price. “They will be able to save the money they spend on transportation, bringing and taking back the unsold products on a daily basis,” he said.

The RMC will seek funds for the cold storages — preferably solar-powered — from various state govt departments, and if that is not possible, the civic body may proceed using internal funds. Assistant municipal commissioner Nikesh Kumar said more than 500 vendors are expected to benefit from the scheme.