Shimla, February 20:
Residents have raised concerns over the sale of mutton and chicken at inflated prices in Junga, a town near the state capital. It has been alleged that meat is being sold without proper quality checks, and sweets available in local hotels and dhabas are also being priced significantly higher compared to nearby small towns.
According to locals, food items in hotels and dhabas are being sold at arbitrary rates, with no regular inspection of rate lists by the Food and Civil Supplies Department. It is further alleged that health department teams have not conducted any quality checks on meat being sold in the area.
Reports suggest that mutton and chicken are being sold in the open without proper net covering or refrigeration, with flies frequently seen around the exposed meat. In Junga and Koti, mutton is reportedly being sold at ₹600 per kilogram and chicken at ₹280 per kilogram, whereas in other areas the prices are around ₹550 and ₹250 per kilogram respectively.
Similar complaints have also emerged from nearby areas such as Janedghat and Koti, where food items and meat are reportedly being sold at high prices. Locals claim that due to tourist inflow in these areas, dhaba owners are charging excessive rates for meals and sweets, affecting both residents and visitors.
People have also pointed out that in many districts, Deputy Commissioners usually fix rates for essential food items such as meals, milk, and meat to prevent public exploitation. However, no such rate fixation has reportedly been carried out in Shimla district, allowing hotels, dhabas, and sweet shop owners to charge arbitrary prices.
Food and Supplies Inspector Ranjana Sood, who is currently handling additional charge of Junga along with Theog tehsil, stated that due to workload constraints she has not been able to devote adequate time to the area. She assured that surprise inspections of hotels, dhabas, and other commercial establishments in Junga tehsil will be conducted soon.
