Delhi CM announces plan to give mandis a makeover, lauds boycott of Turkiye imports

Chief Minister Gupta announces modernization plan for Delhi mandis, addressing infrastructure, sanitation, security issues, and promoting patriotism in trade.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday announced a modernisation plan for all mandis in the Capital and blamed the previous Aam Aadmi Party government for ignoring these key wholesale markets and turning them into “centres of corruption” over the last 10 years.

During her visit to Azadpur Mandi, Ms. Gupta expressed concern over poor infrastructure, sanitation, and security at the country’s largest fruit and vegetable wholesale market.

“Thousands work here. The roads are broken, vegetables rot in the open, and toilets are in a dilapidated state. This place has become a garbage heap. Those who once promised to turn Delhi into London or Paris should stand here and face the stench,” she said.

The CM also praised traders at the market for boycotting apple imports from Turkiye, terming it an “act of patriotism”.

“If any country supports terrorism against India, we must cut off all ties — trade, dialogue, everything,” she said. Noting that Delhi’s mandis are not just trade centres but the “lifeline of the city”, she said the government aimed to transform them into “clean, safe, and modern facilities”.

Ms. Gupta directed officials to install CCTV cameras at all entry points to improve security and monitor vehicle movement. She also announced the deployment of extra sanitation staff and the setting up of a compactor and green waste processing plant to manage waste on-site. “An ‘Atal Canteen’ offering full meals at ₹5 will be launched,” she said.

The Chief Minister said to provide relief to workers, the government will install drinking water stations and set up a health facility within the existing Kisan Bhawan building for emergency medical aid.