BMC chief Praveen Pardeshi has directed the ward officers to allow temporary vegetable and fruits vendors in the city till COVID-19 crisis is handled. This move has come as a respite to the common man who has been struggling after various ward officers took the decision of shutting down vegetable markets and disallowing vendors on streets. However, this order will not be applicable for containment zones.

The instructions by the commissioner state that vegetable vendors must be at least, "two feet apart from each other and the customers must be at least three-and-a-half-feet away. But if the measures instructed by the BMC officials are not followed, these temporary vendors will be asked to stop continuing sale immediately." The BMC ward officers will play a pivotal role in setting up temporary vendors. They will allot space for the centres and coordinate with the local police.