KINS Desk
Srinagar : When authorities announced lock down to stop the spread of deadly coronavirus, Sajad Ahmad Khan who runs Houseful General Store here in Qamarari Srinagar understood that he has to get his team ready for the tough and tiring days ahead.
He was not alone in the fight, other store owners also ensured that the consumers get their daily essentials at their door steps.
The day lockdown was announced long queues outside local shops, stockpiling of essential items was found in every street of Srinagar.
The administrations advice of not panicking fell on deaf ears as consumers started to worry if they would have enough food supplies at home.
On the other hand, the friendly owner of the Houseful General Store Qamarwari has come to the rescue of many. “I closed my shop when the virus spread and government announced lockdown. But knowing that many would need essential items, I expressed my desire in front of my family that I should do something to help my customers and the other needy people, but it was out rightly rejected by my family members,” he told news agency KINS.
Firstly I was convinced by the family but when I received heart wrenching distress call from a lady who had no baby food .I told my family that some people really need my help. “Finally they somehow agreed. I knew this was not going to be easy. Whosoever was going out was at high risk of getting infected, so I decided to keep manpower as low as possible and we narrowed in to team of three. Abid Ahmad, Mohmmad Saleem and myself,” he said.
He added that it was difficult to get supplies from the markets and dispatch the same to the people knowing the threat of getting covid-19 is high.
“We decided to deliver the items at the door steps of the vicinity customers and those who are in desperate need. Thank god till date we are doing it every day. I gave full credit to my staff and some friends who helped me to make it possible for my customers and other people” he maintained.
The first few days were fine but when the restrictions got tougher we create WhatsApp group where people are now asking us for the essential items. “This helped us a lot as we are able to get the orders easily and deliver the same to our customers.
For logistics, he is relying on motorcycle and a four wheeler. “I don’t face any problems and even police allows us to deliver the essentials to the people.” he said.
Not only the Houseful general store, but the other local shopkeepers also go extra mile to ensure consumers to get their daily essentials. (KINS)
